Lorraine Matthews

BIO:

Lorraine Matthews was born in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. She is currently in the process of finishing her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Memorial University-Grenfell Campus. While completing her undergrad, Lorraine found a love for relation aesthetics and other unconventional art practices. Lorraine’s strong connection with Newfoundland and Labrador is a frequent subject in her work. She hopes that one day she will settle on the island and continue her art practice with a cup of tea in hand. 

 

 

1. When did you first realize you wanted to become an artist?

I was always certain I would be an artist ever since I can remember. My dad would always paint and draw with me. The fire department coloring contests would be the highlight of my time in elementary school.

 

2. What mediums do you work in and why?

I work in a variety of mediums. I am trained to work with metal, ceramics, oil paint, film photography and most forms of print making. I like coming up with an idea and then finding the right medium that would suit my idea.

 

3. How do you get ideas for your artwork?

I find it very hard to get an idea when I sit and think about ideas. My ideas come from experiences. I make a point to travel, talk to people and share stories and these are where my ideas are generated. My sketch book is filled with stories, dreams and drawings of my everyday experiences.

 

4. What other artists influence your artwork?

An artist that have been influencing my work lately is John Hartman. I am really inspired by the way he paints a landscape.

 

5. What are the “big” themes in your artwork.

Lately, my artwork has focused a lot on the idea oh home. For me, home is when I’m with people that I love or in a place that I love.

 

6. & 7. What is the greatest challenge you face as an artist working in Nfld & Lab? What is the best thing about working as an artist in this province?

For me, being an artist in Newfoundland and Labrador is a blessing. Being in a smaller area allows me to focus on things in a smaller scale. Where there are too many people, or places to see I feel overwhelmed and find it hard to take the time to focus and study one thing. I am also constantly being inspired by the landscape and small town lifestyle that surrounds me.

 

8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In ten years I see myself travelling around the world creating and always finding my way back here, to Newfoundland.

 

9. If you werenʼt an artist, what would you be doing?

If I wasn’t an artist, I would be a teacher. It would be lovely to find a way to add creativity to a lesson plan everyday. Also, watching other people think creatively is inspiring.

 

10. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?

If I could have one wish granted, it would be to have Newfoundland stay the safe, mystical, and heartwarming place that it is forever.

 

 

Photograph by Amber-Lynn Thorne


Olivia Wong

Olivia Wong is currently completing her Bachelor of Fine Art in Visual Arts at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University in Corner Brook. Olivia is working at the Grenfell Campus Art Gallery, and has worked at the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Council as a summer events coordinator. She is interested in curating and painting. She is currently the student representative on the VANL-CARFAC Board of Directors.

 
1. When did you first realize that you wanted to become an artist?

In grade nine we had a career fair and we played games and they told us about different careers. They told us that it was a myth that artists can’t have a career and are living on the street. It was one of the first times I thought, “I could do this!”

 

2. What mediums do you work in and why?

I’m currently focusing on photography and sculpture, but I really love working with drawing and painting. I’m trying to expand to learn different mediums, as well. I guess you don’t really know what you like until you try it.

 

3. How do you get ideas for your artwork?

I guess ideas come differently at different times. Sometimes I get inspired by things I see. Sometimes, I just have an idea about something as I’m going to sleep at night.

 

4. What other artists influence your artwork?

I am influenced by almost everything around me — it’s hard not to be. I’m not consciously influenced by one particular artist. I might see something an artist does and think “I like that.” but then, not think about them again for a long time. Right now I’m looking at Meryl McMaster, Cornelia Parker, and Cindy Sherman.

 

5. What are the ‘big’ themes in your artwork?

I think, right now as a student, I’m still trying to work through what I’m trying to say as an artist. There may be themes present, but I am unaware of them at the moment.

 

6. What is the greatest challenge you face as an artist working in Newfoundland and Labrador?

The most notable challenge is accessibility. Newfoundland and Labrador is very disconnected. There is not a lot of art you can see here and while the internet helps, there is also only so many places you can show and see art in Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

7. What is the best thing about working as an artist in this province?

Probably the rich culture and landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I don’t know if I can think that far ahead, at this point.

 

9. If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing?

I think the most probable career path I would have taken would be to be a writer or an architect.

 

10. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?

For more time.