Interview with an artist: Connie Gibbens
Visit Connie's webpage: To a T Artist Studio & Gallery
What kind of artwork do you make?
I have never really known how to label the art I make. I make whatever I want! Sometimes it is abstract, sometimes not. Sometimes it is Jewelrey, sometimes pottery, and sometimes card houses! I like to challenge myself so I am always choosing new techniques to try. I am a firm believer in experimentation; I think all artists are really. Some things work and some things do not, so why would I limit myself to one style or format?
Where did you learn to paint/sculpt etc.?
I learned by doing. I didn't go to "art school" in the traditional sense, but many artist friends along the way taught and encouraged me to keep doing what I was doing, so I did!
What path led you to the work you do now?
Owning a studio/gallery? I guess it was a desire to see emerging/unpaid/unrepresented artists and myself have a way to break into the retail market, to get noticed, and to pay the bills! I was going to be a great many things before ever becoming an artist actually. I never dreamed I would be doing this, but one day I took a leap of faith and ended up putting a deposit on a studio at Art Central and well, here I still am! Some days I feel like I am getting away with something I shouldn't be and most other days I am just grateful that I get to play and paint all day. I am also learning each day what it really means to run your own business!! Not all play I guess, but SO worth it!
What has been the biggest influence in your work?
My imagination actually. I love to play with paint and if I can dream it then I try to see if I can paint it or make it.
Who is your favourite artist?
I like so many it is hard to pick just one, but the one artist I have made by far the most effort to see is Chuck Close. I was in Toronto a few years ago for a week with a very busy schedule and found myself with an hour to kill one day. I rushed by metro to the AGO where I knew they were showing a certain Chuck Close painting. I had just enough time to get there, pay the entrance fee, find the painting and stare at it for a good 20 minutes before I had to rush back to be on time for my next meeting!
How long have you been at Art Central?
I have been here now since November 2005!
What do you like the most about working at Art Central?
I really like the community spirit. It is like a big family, especially within the Art Loop on the lower level where I have my studio and gallery. I really appreciate the fact that there are artists who will lend me a paintbrush I don't have or offer advice on a certain technique I am trying to learn, etc.
Besides creating art, what is your favourite thing to do?
I love to read! Books, art magazines, anything I can get really. I love to learn and no topic is off limits! Oh ya, and watching the Food Network, particularly Iron Chef America!
Besides Art Central, what is your favourite place in Calgary?
The place I go to the most to hang out is Chapters. Because I love to read it is a no-brainer for me. Always have a good time there and wish they were open later!
What is your favourite book?
Oh boy...so many! The latest favorite would have to be Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins. If you have ever wanted to know the secret to a long life in an extremely entertaining way, this novel (fiction) will tell you!
If you were a celebrity, who would you be?
I would like to be Jeff Koons or Damien Hirst for a day at least to see inside their brains and to learn how on earth they are so good at marketing themselves and their art!
Visit Connie's webpage: To a T Artist Studio & Gallery
Connie Gibbens
To a T ~ Art Central
T. 403.262.6016
6a, 100-7th Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 0W4
http://www.toat.ca/
