1. Did you go to school for art? I took art classes all through school. I went to Kennesaw State University and studied criminal law. I should have gone for art, but I was too far into my major to change it. I went back after graduating and did their art program -- just because I really wanted too.
2. Have you always liked art and been naturally talented and creative? I have always drawn and painted since I could hold a pencil. I used to draw on anything that was blank. My favorite thing as a child was to draw in the blank pages of my mother's books. She probably was not thrilled about it, but she never discouraged it either!
3. Besides art, do you have any other talents? I really can't do much else!! I can't sing, or do anything musical. I can teach, which I guess is a talent! It is all about breaking down things in a simpler form so that people can see how it is done. Painting is the same way.
4. What things inspire you to make a certain piece of art? Lots of things can inspire me. I enjoy folk art, and things with bright happy colors. The more imperfect it looks, the better I like it ! Van Gogh, Matisse, and various local artists keep me inspired. I see color as an inspiration also. I have been on a cobalt blue kick lately and I want to incorporate that color into my paintings. I have been using it a lot in my home.
5. How did you come up with the name for your Art Studio? Della Mae is my grandmother. The hat lady is a painting of my mom. I combined the two and it all became Della Mae Art Studio. Those are the two ladies that have meant the most to me in my life!
6. How long have you had your art studio and been teaching classes? I have had my home studio almost 4 years now. My reason for doing this in my home centers around my family. I have a son who has a disability and I am needed here at home, but I also need to bring in some income.
7. Is it hard juggling a family and finding the time to teach classes? Teaching art in my home has been a blessing for me. God just seemed to have it worked out for me. I can balance my family life and do what I love to do with art at the same time!
8. What advice would you give someone who wants to take a class but doesn't consider themselves to be artistic? The first thing people think is that they cannot paint. They often say they cannot draw a stick figure! You do not have to know how to paint or draw to come to my studio. I take you step by step through the painting process. I often will draw the design or have a pattern to follow. I keep it simple so that it is fun and easy. The most important part is that I believe there no mistakes in art, only opportunities. I teach art as imperfection, not perfection. The main purpose is to relax and have fun for a couple of hours. I promise no one will leave with a bad painting!!! I have many first time painters come to me, and now after a couple of years of painting, they are off painting on their own!! All I can say, is just come give it a try!
Thank you so much Elaine for your candid interview and making us all feel a little more confident in our artistic abilities. Now presenting, Mrs. Elaine Bramlett Sloan's wonderful artwork.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Della-Mae-Art-Studio/145609458845547
-Candie Bradfield & Michelle Jetton