I am an Artist: Margaret Berry

 

Why are you an artist?

It is the way I relate to the world. I talk, learn and create in pictures.

Why do you use the medium that you use?

Encaustic is the most comprehensive and unlimited medium. One can draw, paint, sculpt, make prints, collage and enhance photos with it. It is also sensuous, flexible and seductive.

You seem to work in series or projects. Why do you think that is? And, tell us about your most current project.

A series allows one to try an idea out in many ways and see what works. It is more interesting than making just one piece at a time.

My most current project is exploring food: Candyland which collages vintage candy and themes into the encaustic wax and Cupcake Dreams which looks at the resurgence of comforting nostalgia in these challenging times.

How does color play a role in your work?

I am infatuated with certain color palettes at different times but earthy colors and a range of slate grays seem to persist.

Are some artists overrated? Are some underrated?

Definitely some artists are overrated and some underrated. Life is not fair and squeaky wheels sometimes get the grease.

 

What is the role of the artist in our society? And how about in Nebraska?

The role of the artist is to get the viewer to take notice, to have a visceral reaction. The reaction can be awe, doubt, rage, disgust, envy, the whole range of human emotion.

The role of the artist in Nebraska is the same – to get folks to notice or feel something!

Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?

The “correct” answer is that I will be successfully completing a body of work that will be shown in a major gallery and also endure for all time. However, the real answer is that I see myself having fun still experimenting with encaustic and new themes. Also, I see myself teaching more workshops in resort and international settings with an occasional challenging setting such as those I have done with the blind and with teen prisoners.

What are your ultimate goals as an artist?

To have a rich life of satisfying surprises.

What does art mean to you?

It means pleasure and provocation – to be able to see and experience other views of the world, subtle nuances, bold opinions and participate more fully in the human experience.

To see more of Margaret’s work, check out her website:  http://www.margaretberryart.com/