Marla Gottschalk's collection of work in our opening show is a celebration of everyday moments through expressive color field abstracts which boast sophisticated palettes, luminous layers, and balanced, harmonious compositions. We caught up with her to talk about her creative journey, inspiration, and life as an artist.
What is your earliest memory of being creative?
I recall drawing at my grandmother’s house as a young child. She would keep white paper in a drawer at the end of her pink kitchen. I would sit at her dining room table and draw ballerinas.
Did you always want to be an artist?
No, not at all. I was working on a project and one of my colleagues turned out to be an abstract painter. For some reason, I could not stop looking at her work. A light simply turned on.
How do you want people to feel when they look at your art?
Transported. If someone would describe getting lost in a piece — I would consider that a success. I feel that art can stir something within a viewer. A memory, emotion or even a state of mind.
What is most rewarding about painting?
In most cases, the finished work. There is a certain sense of satisfaction when a piece is complete. On the other hand, I once saw a collector with one of my pieces under arm. It was such a nice moment — to know that a piece engaged someone enough to offer it a home.
What are some of your favorite art supplies?
I rely on a large Filbert brush. As far as paint, large amounts of Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic in Titanium White.
Do you have a favorite period of art history?
British landscape works from the 1800’s. They are beautiful and calming. J.M.W Turner is a favorite. He dabbled in abstractness long before that style became a genre.
If I could have dinner with three artists, past or present, who would they be?
Cy Twombly, Helen Frankenthaler & Turner. Would love to know how they harnessed their own creativity.
Coffee or tea?
Have always been a coffee drinker. I’ve been wed to Starbuck’s Sumatra for years.