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.<\/p>\n
What motivated you to become a painter? <\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m not exactly sure what drew me to painting specifically, but my parents always had paints lying around at home (and) they encouraged it.<\/p>\n I tend to get ideas when I\u2019m meant to be doing something else, so it pretty much started as a fun way to procrastinate.<\/p>\n How would you describe your style?<\/strong><\/p>\n My style developed naturally over time through practice, and honestly, just doing what feels right in the moment.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n My style comes from things in real life and my imagination – it\u2019s a mix of realism, abstraction and surrealism.<\/p>\n Sometimes my paintings look like a collage, with different images embedded into the background.<\/p>\n When I paint realistically with oils, I prefer a soft, blurred, dreamlike effect.<\/p>\n Which other visual painters inspire you and why? <\/strong><\/p>\n Recently I met an artist from Australia named Aime Sacrez who really inspired me.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n I love that way of thinking, that even a seemingly finished painting can be changed if it feels right to you.<\/p>\n It\u2019s brave and reminds me to trust my instincts.<\/p>\n Ulises Resendiz, Mexican\/ Melbourne artist, recently had work displayed in Bendigo.<\/p>\n He works with multiple mediums including sculpture and oil painting.<\/p>\n His work ethic and ability to produce a quantity of quality works is something I admire.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n What are some fond memories you have from your short time as a painter? <\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n I loved getting to speak with the other artists, learning about their creative journeys, and soaking up some strong advice.<\/p>\n Outside of exhibitions, I really enjoy gifting artwork.<\/p>\n The meaning behind giving someone a piece of art is a big motivator for me.<\/p>\n