We're thrilled to introduce you to Paige, the newest addition to our studio team! As one of our resident artists, Paige will be sharing her creativity, passion, and wealth of artistic experience with our Castle Arts community, helping you take the next step on your own creative journey.
Paige's path as an artist has been shaped by a lifelong love of creativity and the inspiration she finds in her family. Get to know Paige, explore her influences, and find out what words of wisdom she has for beginners.
Can you tell us about your artistic journey and what inspired you to become an artist?
Of course! I don’t think there was ever a pivotal point in my life where I decided to be an artist. I feel like (excuse the cheese fest) I was born an artist. Art just always made sense, like my brain had a cheat sheet for it. So, it wasn’t really a choice—it was a path already laid out for me, and I just hopped on with my paintbrush in one hand and a cuppa in the other. My inspiration was and is always my family, they're all so beautifully gifted artistically. Music, arts, theatre, you name it.
I get an itch—an overwhelming arty itch that I have to scratch. Whether that comes from a really great photo I’ve taken, or I’ve seen another brilliant artist who's inspired a new technique. My creative process includes copious amounts of tea, often infused with paint when I dip into the wrong cup (if you know, you know), and enjoying the process.
Towards the end, I like to share my work with my dad to gauge any feedback, then come back in a few hours, days, or even weeks with a fresh set of eyes and finish it off with a new perspective. I’ve always found that healthy; you can get lost in a piece of work and become blind to certain inconsistencies, so taking a break and returning later is a big help.
Can you tell us about a project you've worked on that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m currently working on a huge portrait of my cousin. She doesn’t know yet, so Betty, if you’re reading this—avert your eyes! I took some photos of her years ago, draped in white material in an empty room and the composition is just so serene and peaceful.
I never found the time to start such a large-scale painting until recently. I was lying in bed and found the photos, and the next morning I sprung out of bed, grabbed the biggest canvas I had, and just started. Sometimes, that’s the hardest part—just starting. But once you’re in the flow, it’s the best feeling ever. It’s only halfway done, but I’m already in love with it.
Who are some artists, past or present, that you admire, and how have they influenced your work?
I am a huge fan of the sculptor Giacometti. He was a radical artist and defied the meaning of what art was for his time. We both love the eyes the most. My favorite quote of his is: "I cannot simultaneously see the eyes, the hands, and the feet of a person standing two or three yards in front of me, but the only part that I do look at entails a sensation of the existence of everything."
If you could have created any piece of art, which one would it be and why?
Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights is an absolute wonder of art. I can stare at the painting and get lost in the weird wonderfulness of it. There's so much to look at and piece together. I’d love to have a go at letting my brain wander off to see what it can conjure.
Bosch painted using a technique called alla prima which means ‘at first attempt.’ He worked with no underpainting—he just winged it, and I admire that.
What’s your favorite gallery or exhibition you’ve ever visited?
I visited the Galleria Borghese in Rome and was just flawed by the architecture, sculptures, and murals. When I walked in and looked up to see the dominating ceiling by Mariano Rossi, I could have cried. What a piece of work. You leave the gallery with a sore neck from staring at the ceiling paintings in every room—I think there were about 20.
Another favorite was a Monet exhibition in London. It felt like I was in the presence of a surreal celebrity when I saw Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lillies. Truly outstanding pieces of art.
Would you say you’re a tidy or messy artist?
A mix of both. I love getting stuck into whatever I’m creating and don't tend to care much about the mess. But I'll have a really good clean after each project so I feel invited to come back for the next creation. I have to wear an apron though, because I’m a sucker for using myself to clean brushes. It's a bad habit!
What do you wish you were better at in art?
Being more free. I have a very ‘perfectionist’ outlook on most things I do, and it's definitely something I'm working on. I love the idea of just picking some colors and textures I adore and going wild on a canvas. Or not a canvas—a non-perfectionist might choose another surface!
Have you ever suffered from artist’s block?
Oh yes. But it is something I can overcome quite easily with a little self-therapy session to self-reflect. "Why are you stuck?" "What if it doesn’t turn out how I’m imagining it?" And then I tell myself, "BUT PAIGE what if it turns out even better?"
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting their creative journeys?
With art, you cannot go wrong. It's impossible. So let go of any fears or preconceived notions you've created for yourself and just go for it.
You can find inspiration anywhere. A still-life painting of a mundane apple on a table or a pair of glasses has inspired some of the greatest artists of our time. Inspiration is outside, in nature, in your family, in emotions, in experiences. You have everything you need, so pick up your choice of medium and have at it.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the full artist interview series on our blog for creative stories, tips, and ideas from a range of talented artists.
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