Oct 1, 2009

Interview with the Artist: Janice Schoultz Mudd


What kind of art do you make?

I am a mixed media painting and collage artist working with contemporary abstractions of the landscape as well as visual interpretations of conceptual ideas. I started painting while studying interior design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. The program was rigorous and weighted on developing the skill of realistic accuracy in painting and drawing before moving on to tackle abstraction. This approach gave me the sound foundation that allows me to stretch my imagery with confidence.

Although I have not abandoned the idea of painting with figurative accuracy, I confess I find it much more interesting to interpret and develop a concept into a visual form. Each piece is pretty much of an experiment. I do this working with layer upon layer of color until the canvas glows and sorting through my boxes of collected stuff, trying to find just the right pieces to incorporate onto the canvas.
What draws you to the medium you use?

This is such a great time to be an artist because there are so many art materials and mediums available. Thank goodness we don’t have to grind our own pigments and make our own paint anymore. There are so many different materials available and being inherently curious and creative, I really love finding out what is going to happen if I ……



Why do you make art?

The truth to this question, is that I really can’t help it. Making and creating things is the way my brain works. When I was a kid, growing up in New Jersey, I made up board games, books with collaged illustrations, and paid a great deal of attention to critically examining things I saw (the changing color of pond water throughout the day, the colors of our neighbors’ furniture, shoe shapes etc.). I know,.. weird. I worked as a designer for many years and when my kids were growing up and art supplies were out of the question, I designed cut cookie forms and did great icing decoration! I have noticed that this creative force always comes out somehow.

How long have you been with Gateway Gallery?

I have been one of the resident artists with Gateway Gallery for about a year. We currently have 17 juried members. The benefits of being part of this organization are tremendous. Since we are artist owned, we have no choice but to learn about all the aspects of running a gallery. Not only are each of us learning how to manage and address the business of being an artist, but this experience makes me a better represented artist in other galleries who carry my work. I now have very good understanding of a gallery’s needs and of how I can work with them so that everyone benefits.


What is the most rewarding part of being an artist?

I will be the first one to tell you that I have so much fun creating art. Much of the time it gives me an incredible sense of freedom and release, something like a bird gliding through the sky on a beautiful, sunny, warm day. When things are going badly however, it can get pretty stressful. Since I work at home, I will at that point, do the laundry, take a nap, read or walk the dog. Many things help; listening to music is one. Depending on my mood it could be Pavarotti, Ralph Stanley or The Lion King.

The most rewarding part of this whole business however, is when my work makes a connection with someone and touches their heart.



What are you working on now?

This past year I have created a number of small pieces – 12 x 12 inches– in response to the economy, so that I might be able to offer a greater price range for my work. This size has allowed me to experiment with new ideas and directions that I likely would not have thought of. A common response to these paintings has been “these need to get large”. And so… I have ordered large canvases. When you click on my my website page you will see.

Never one to stay only on one track however, how does the intersection of art and molecular biology sound?


*Please consider coming to the Gateway Gallery this Friday, October 9th from 6-9pm to see Janice's new work and have the unique opportunity to speak with her about her latest creative endeavors.
*The Gateway Artists will also be presenting new work in the theme of the reception called Autumn Lights.