Local artist profile: Salena Cummins

THIS week we chat with emerging painter Salena Cummins, who said recently exhibiting at Dudley House – her first time showing her work publicly – was a highlight of her short career.

What motivated you to become a painter?

I’m not exactly sure what drew me to painting specifically, but my parents always had paints lying around at home (and) they encouraged it.

I tend to get ideas when I’m meant to be doing something else, so it pretty much started as a fun way to procrastinate.

How would you describe your style?

My style developed naturally over time through practice, and honestly, just doing what feels right in the moment.

I sketch my surroundings a lot. Often it can merge into something else. My friend’s head can become a planet in a solar system, or maybe his arm is a maze.

My style comes from things in real life and my imagination – it’s a mix of realism, abstraction and surrealism.

Sometimes my paintings look like a collage, with different images embedded into the background.

When I paint realistically with oils, I prefer a soft, blurred, dreamlike effect.

Which other visual painters inspire you and why?

Recently I met an artist from Australia named Aime Sacrez who really inspired me.

He told me how he sometimes finishes a painting, only to realise a figure or element belongs somewhere else entirely, so he cuts it out and embeds it into a different work.

I love that way of thinking, that even a seemingly finished painting can be changed if it feels right to you.

It’s brave and reminds me to trust my instincts.

Ulises Resendiz, Mexican/ Melbourne artist, recently had work displayed in Bendigo.

He works with multiple mediums including sculpture and oil painting.

His work ethic and ability to produce a quantity of quality works is something I admire.

His art often holds a powerful message yet you can feel when standing in front of his work, that he had fun and enjoys the process of creating.

What are some fond memories you have from your short time as a painter?

Exhibiting at Dudley House as part of the United Artists of Mexico and Bendigo exhibition was my first time showing my work publicly, and was very exciting.

I loved getting to speak with the other artists, learning about their creative journeys, and soaking up some strong advice.

Outside of exhibitions, I really enjoy gifting artwork.

The meaning behind giving someone a piece of art is a big motivator for me.

How can people check out your work online?

You can check out my instagram @salenaeve_ I often will post art on there.

Do you have any particular exhibitions coming up?

I’m always working on something (and) I tend to have a few projects going at once.

I’ll definitely exhibit again if the opportunity comes up – I’m just staying open and creating in the meantime.

What would you say to young regional aspiring visual artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

I think there’s nothing like sincerity in artistic expression.

That’s how you develop a style and voice.

Keep cutting back your idea until it’s as honest to you as it can be, that’s where the challenge and the beauty comes in.

It’s scary showing something personal, but that’s also what makes it powerful.

No one will ever fully know the meaning behind your work, so it’s important to listen to your instincts and create for yourself.