What is the best thing that I love about my work?
The freedom to express myself, my beliefs, and my journey. Knowing this creative passion has always been in me since I was a child and will continue my whole life. The connection and ability that art has to open up people’s minds and bring about new perspectives.
What is my idea of perfect happiness?
Happiness is a choice to be grateful with what you have right now. Perfect happiness to me would be having the right balance between family, making art, having a strong art community, solid friendships, enjoying the place where I live, and feeling fulfilled with what I’m creating.
What is my greatest fear?
It’s never a good idea to entertain fear, but we all have a bit, and I won’t pretend I don’t. Mine would be not being able to complete everything in this life that I had hoped for and set out to do.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
Getting in my own way sometimes by second guessing my decisions.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
Allison Sculnik, she is an animator out of California
Paloma Smith (AKA Octoplum on instagram), she is a body positive feminist sculptor.
Sarah Fox, because she works beautifully in so many mediums
Genuine D. Zlatkis, for her exquisite detailed paintings and prints
Red Nose Studio, he made me think outside of the box with what is possible in illustration/art.
What is my greatest extravagance?
Art Supplies, specialty teas, decadent dark chocolate, essential oils, and Halloween costumes
On what occasion would I lie?
To protect my children from harm.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
I don’t enjoy the administration side of being an artist, I’d rather be creating art.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
There have been many happy moments throughout my creative journey. I truly loved the day I learned how to sculpt with clay, but I believe my happiest moment on this journey has yet to come. I say this because my work has yet to combine my talents with my inner struggles, beliefs, and stories. Up until this point I have always created for others more than for myself. I’ve come to a point in my life and my art where I want more meaningful content. Truly pouring my whole self into my art, being vulnerable in my art, this will ultimately lead to my happiest time as an artist.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I wish I could be the best version of myself all the time, however this is challenging at times with kids, illnesses, and other challenges that arise.
What is my greatest achievement in my work?
On paper it would be receiving my BFA in illustration and being a published illustrator.
From a personal perspective though, it was the time I took on my own to figure out how I like to work the most, what mediums are my favorites, what topics I enjoy, and ultimately it will be in unifying what I’ve learned on my journey with the stories that have shaped me.
Where would I most like to live?
Currently I’m enjoying where I live (San Antonio, Texas), its the right fit for right now. However, I believe that moving around occassionally is a great life experience. I can’t imagine staying in one place for my whole entire life. So far I’ve lived in MN, WI, IL and now Texas. I would probably also enjoy living in Colorado, Washington, Hawaii, parts of Canada, parts of Europe, New Zealand, and possibly other areas that I just haven’t explored yet.
What is my most treasured possession?
The pictures and video’s of my children growing up, hand cast of my daughter’s baby hand in mine, original artwork from deceased relatives, and a few of my favorite pictures of my grandparents and extended family.
Before possessions, I would always choose the people I love first.
What is my most marked characteristic?
Tenacity, once I set my mind on something that I want to do…I do it.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
Depends on my mood. To get away from it all and connect to nature I love Guadalupe State Park. For historical inspiration I love the King William neighborhood. For the art scene and being around other artists, I enjoy Southtown. The river walk and the Pearl is also a great place to people watch, take in nature, the holiday’s and enjoy the city.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
Liberty Bar for unique wholesome food and atmosphere, Paloma Blanco for their enchiladas and fresh sauces, Pappadeaux for their crayfish bisque and seafood, and Sternwirth for their craft beer and bar bites. Sorry can’t pick just one!
What books influenced my life and how?
Tiny Beautiful Things; Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar, written by Cheryl Strayed
This book was a reminder to me that our challenges in life make us stronger and tend to fall away (seem much smaller) as time passes. Also to remember to laugh at ourselves and be more light hearted about our journey.
Women who run with Wolves; Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman, written by Ph.D. Clarissa Pinkola Estes
This book opened up hidden truths that were hidden deep within me. This book was one of the things that made me want to shift putting more of myself into my creations, being more confident in who I am, less conditioned/domesticated by others and culture.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, written by Anne Fadiman
This book really opened up my world view about how everyones reality is based on their set of circumstances, upbringing, and culture. It’s a book that surprised me in ways, shook me, saddened me, enlightened my thinking about other cultures.
Who are my favorite writers?
JK Rowelling, Suzanne Collins, Margaret Atwood, John Green, Madeleine L’Engle, Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Cheryl Strayed, Brené Brown, Miguel Ruiz
You only die once. What music would I listen on my last day?
Valerie June, Shakey Graves, Lucious, Eva Cassidy, The Head and the Heart, Monsters and Men, Tori Amos, Mason Jennings, Radical Face, Mika, The Ericksons, Yann Tiersen, Cat Stevens, IZ, India Arie, Beatles, Ella Fitzgerald
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Luna Lovegood, She embodies the saying “Do and say what you wish, since those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter”. Luna is authentically quirky, creative, spiritual, smart, loyal, honest, and is unapologetically herself even when others make fun of her. Luna undermines conformity that is so dear to all cultures by not giving a damn about conventional cultural norms. From how she dresses, what she believes, and how she behaves she is a solid non-conformist. Her perspective in life is uniquely her own and she has no fear in being herself.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
My grandmother Nan Moore, she took care of her family and worked while her husband was getting his PHD. She also had an adventurous heart for getting out into nature, traveling, and teaching her passion for nature to children.
My grandmother Pat Kwaterski, because she always stood firm with her opinion even when other’s disagreed with her.
My friend Olga Lora, she lives fearlessly by her own rules, lives her passion every day, and challenges others around her to do the same.
Historical figures: Lagertha (viking shieldmaiden), Joan of Arc, Elenor Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman, Bessie Coleman, Rosa Parks
Artists: Allison Schulnik, Germaine Dulac, Michelle MacLaren, Maya Erdelyr, Helen Hill, Frida Kahlo, Maya Angelou, and anyone who lives by their own rules and passion.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
The documentary Wake Up, if only to realize how everyone’s reality is their own and to expand the possibilities of what is your own reality versus someone else’s and how both can exist simultaneously. Just because someone’s reality isn’t yours, doesn’t mean its not real or true for them.
Other movies I would recommend: Requiem for a dream, Royal Tenenbaums, Donnie Darko, Dark Crystal, The Fountain, The Prestige, Waking Life…
What role plays art in my life and work?
Art is another heart beat beating within me. It is my meditation, my center, and my connection to all that is possible. Art expands the mind and heart for all involved, including the viewer.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
First and foremost myself, because if I don’t believe in what I’m doing no one else will. Secondly my husband and children, they don’t always understand what I’m doing… but they enjoy who I am and what I create. Partner’s in crime would be anyone daring to live their passion and speak their truth through art.
Whom would I like to work with in 2018?
This coming year I really see myself focusing on making a personal collection of work and giving my artwork more depth with my own experiences, beliefs, and perceptions. If I come across an artist who has similar themes to what I’ll be working on then I would possibly enjoy doing an exhibition with them.
Which people in my profession would I love to meet, in 2018?
I would love to meet Sarah Fox and other local San Antonio artists. I’ve been to a few art exhibits recently where I conversed with a few local artists, which has been refreshing. I moved here three years ago and until now I was focused on raising my young children. Now that I have a bit more time, I want to take the time to build up an art community here.
What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on?
I would enjoy being a part of a collective exhibition at one of the many galleries in San Antonio this coming year with artists who have similar themes in their work as mine. Possibly taking my next collection of work and forming some kind of biography/artist book.
Where can you see me or my work in 2018?
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SwampFoxStudio
Society6: https://society6.com/swampfoxstudio
Possibly an exhibit or two at a gallery in San Antonio, once I build up my new collection.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
It simply means you never stop doing that thing you love or feel called to do everyday. It’s saying yes to those instincts inside of you that wants to write, draw, sculpt, engineer, invent, cook, sing, dance, explore, bike, hike, and take new risks. If you’re really passionate about something, there is no retiring from it. At times you might work slower, take a break, but your drive and interest never fades if it’s a passion. Dancing with your passion is the path to living a full and happy life.
Which creative heroes and heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Lauren Zuniga, Sarah Fox, Allison Schulinik, Geninne D Zlatkis, Morgan Granoski, Sara Leon, Paloma Smith (Octoplum), Trina Mattox, Nancy Moore, Olga Lora
You can see my work
Passion Never Retires 