Artist Eileen Monteiro
Do you most often actively seek inspiration or does it find you? Or is it a combination of the two?
Living provides constant inspiration. I make a point of noticing the beauty in every day things.
What led you to art in general and to your art form in particular?
I have early memories (age 3 or 4) of manipulating colors and shapes. I painted many years with acrylics on canvas. Once I seriously tried water color, I fell in love with the medium. I enjoy the lightness, the contrast, bright colors floating and moving together on the paper like a beautiful dance.
Where has your artwork been exhibited?
I have shown my work in juried and competitive shows in Michigan and around the country for many years. I have participated in many group exhibitions in galleries and have had several solo exhibitions. I participated in the Black Fine arts show in New York (three years) with the National Conference of Artists, Mi gallery. I also curate an exhibition approximately every six weeks for the NCA Lobby Gallery. I am in many collections in the U.S. and abroad.
In addition to mastering their art, what other skill sets to you recommend that artists develop if they want to be successful?
Artists must maintain their personal focus, continue to study and learn new things. Read current articles, view many art styles and of course, continue to work and try new techniques. The business of art is an equally important aspect.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
I attempt to paint every day and remain adventurous.
Do you think that there are any widely held misconceptions about art and/or artists? If so, what are they and how do you work to dispel them?
There are misconceptions in every field. It is impossible to expect to get in the mind of another person. Getting into the mind of an artist is out of the question. Fortunately, in the visual arts you are free to interpret as you wish.
Name two of your top role models: one in the art world and one from outside of it. Shirley Woodson, President National Conference of Artists, Michigan. Hon. Ann C. Williams ,federal judge, 7th circuit court of appeals (high school and college friend).
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life and/or yourself.
Anything by Tony Morrison, White Teeth, Zadie Smith, Half of a Yellow Sun, Chimamanda Ngosi Adichie. I see new visual and performance art so frequently I am constantly affected and changed a bit.
Why do you consider continued learning important?
It is natural to continue to learn all of your life. I feel it is important to keep my learning positive and creative.
What role does art have in the community? What role would you like to see art play in the community?
Art takes you on a visual journey through life and allows a new perspective through creativity. All of the arts keep mankind on the road to being civilized. Personally, I frequently assist young students in various types of mentoring through workshops and other programs, because it helps to mold that positive spirit early.
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it? While I have been using computers for many many years. I prefer low-tech in my artistic creations. I have not used my film camera in a while. (The digital just became too convenient. I prefer to do my creating while composing the shot rather than manipulating it later.
Please define your personal brand.
Water-colorist
What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
I have been to many interesting places, but I have not finished. There are many more to see. I was intrigued with Venice, it was as if I were walking around in a fairy tale.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Hatred between humans.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would make more time to create works of art.
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status? That is a big concept. Being iconic is always open to interpretation. Someone else has to make that judgment call.
