Heather Levy, a Washington, DC-based artist, participates in the Artists Interview Artists Project. Below Heather responds to another artist's five questions (Joanne Greenbaum from New York City). In order to participate, Heather had to provide me with five questions for some other artist to answer. The assigning of questions to artists is completely random. If you're an artist and interested in participating, let me know.
1. If someone is in your studio and reacts to a work as "difficult," how do you respond to this, do you think that is a compliment or a critique?
If the piece was created without that intent I would inquire as to why they feel it is "difficult". Get them to talk about their issue with it and that might help them to explain it to themselves. If the piece was intended to be "difficult" I would explain my motivation behind it and that I was seeking to elicit unease and make a joke about how I've done my job well or something!
2. Do you like criticism/feedback or do you like to figure it out all by yourself?
I accept criticism as a necessary part of being an artist. Art is so subjective that it is hard for me to readily accept feedback, whether it be positive or negative. My favorite feedback is when someone purchases a piece, substantially telling me they enjoy my Art. I use criticism to some degree but rely more upon myself to learn and grow instinctively.
3. What are your favorite tv shows, and why do you like to work to them, if you do?
The Simpsons, That 70's Show, Saturday Night Live. I don't usually paint while the tv is on, tho if I'm working on something that doesn't need extreme attention like laying down a wash, or a background I will.
4. How generous are you with other artists, sharing contacts and information and when do you draw the line. Do you ever feel that you've given it away?
I think it is important for artists to share information and experiences. I find it quite helpful and try to align myself with others who share this view. I don't think I've ever "given it away". I believe the pie is big enough for everyone to have a piece.
5. When you are bored with yourself and your work in the studio, what do you do to get out of it artwise?
I've yet to become bored with myself or my work but when I am in a "slump" I will visit a museum or look at any book on Salvador Dali. I have a pretty good collection of Art books and they never cease to inspire me. Walking around, preferably through a really nice park with beautiful flowers helps. Put on a favorite cd really loudly and just paint with watercolors with abandon.
Previous Interviews:
Juno Doran (questions by James W. Bailey)
Josh Feldman (questions by Joseph Barbaccia)
Lisa Stephenson (questions by Whitney Lynn)
Joseph Barbaccia (questions by Josh Feldman)
James W. Bailey (questions by Matt Hollis)
Matt Hollis (questions by Juno Doran)
Carol Es (questions by James Leonard)
Alexandra Silverthorne (questions by Ami Lahoff)
Christine Buckton Tillman (questions by Carol Es)
Douglas Witmer (questions by Alexandra Silverthorne)
Sky Pape (questions by Douglas Witmer)
Whitney Lynn (questions by Lisa Stephenson)
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