I’m happy to share with you the interview with photographer Cathy Kovarik. She’s the other first-place winner of the “Artist of the Week VIII – In bloom” contest with her wonderful work “Painted Pansies” and is a talented photographer currently living in New York. Her stunning portfolio, full of colors, flowers, and serene landscapes bring two words firstly in mind: romanticism and lyricism. And, all her compositions and photo treatment force you in this direction: not only to see but also feel to her perspective. Today, I’m happy to present her sincere point of view.
Interview with photographer Cathy Kovarik
FAWbyJWP. Would you like to tell us a few words about yourself and your life as an artist?
Cathy. I really didn’t consider myself an artist until the last few years. I have always loved photography but raising my children as a single mother put my interests on hold. Probably I have the most photographed children on the planet! With the coming of the digital age, my interest was renewed. There is so much to learn and so many ways to create art. I loved learning the PC and digital photography fit right in.
FAWbyJWP. What do you think urges people to seek creation through art? And, what do you think played a significant role in your decision to become an artist and expose your work?
Cathy. For me, photography is stopping time for just a little while and creating a memory. I look to art to take me away from the everyday stresses of life and make my own little world. So many of my friends and coworkers loved my work and encouraged me to share.
FAWbyJWP. Would you like to tell us a few words for your winning artwork?
Cathy. My image, ‘Painted Pansies‘, was taken on Easter. The flowers were a gift from my grandchildren and will last long after the flowers die.
Art in internet and social media
FAWbyJWP. How do you think that your work differs from the other artists, who are so many here on FAA, but also on the internet and in the market?
Cathy. Wow, my work differs from others, hmm, I like colorful and happy places. Flowers are favorites. I like simple scenery such as the beach or a simple landscape. Almost all of my images begin as a photograph.
FAWbyJWP. How would you describe your activity in online communities like FAA or social media networks? Does it play an important role in your sales?
Cathy. I belong to several photography sites as well as FAA and Facebook. Most of my sales are in stock photography, but I am beginning to sell what I consider to be creative images here on FAA and through other contacts online and in person.
FAWbyJWP. How do you handle negative or malicious comments?
Cathy. Negative comments can help me improve my work. I ignore malicious comments as there is nothing helpful about being malicious. I try to learn from everyone’s input, good or bad.
The role of art and the challenges for artists
FAWbyJWP. What are the challenges of being creative and an artist?
Cathy. I find that keeping my images fresh and new is my biggest challenge. Photography is more of a passion for me and keeping it about creativity and not commercial can sometimes become a challenge.
FAWbyJWP. Can art change someone’s life in a better way? Would you like to give an example?
Cathy. Art has changed my life! Feelings that are difficult to express can be released through art, whatever medium is chosen. It becomes a piece of the artist that they are sharing with others. Art can take you in places without leaving your space and tell stories without words.
FAWbyJWP. What inspires you?
Cathy. My inspiration comes from looking around my world and seeing it through my eyes. I also love to look on photo sites at other artists’ work.
FAWbyJWP. What is the best advice for your work or your life as an artist?
Cathy. Best advice, hmmm. Most advice I have received is about continuing to move forward and do what I love. All of the advice has been ‘best’.
Thank you very much, Cathy, for this interesting interview. You can find and follow Cathy Kovaric and all her beautiful work on her site.