Artist Interview: Fawne DeRosia
In order to introduce the community to artists living in Upson County and surrounding areas, the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) is presenting a series of interviews with local artists. If you know one you would like to see featured, please call Johnnie Ann Gaskill at 706-646-4170 or the TUAC Office at 706-647-1605.
The following interview features Fawne DeRosia. She was born in 1982 in Flint, Michigan and spent most of her childhood moving to various towns in the south before settling down in Thomaston. Influenced mostly by her mother, Fawne learned to create art at an early age. In high school, Fawne sold her first work of art and painted a mural for the New Haven Church in Conyers, Georgia. Last year, Fawne won Third place in the amateur division at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia for a painting of two women. An interior designer bought the painting to display in her home.
Fawne spends most of her time at home with her husband Daniel Foy and their daughter Mazzy. In her spare time, Fawne paints, crochets, makes linoleum block prints and cute stuffed animals. She collects postcards and other mail art, takes photos with vintage cameras, and creates zines and mini comics.
Fawne’s artwork can be found in private collections from California to Michigan to Germany, in many underground magazines, a soon-to-be-published vegan cookbook, and as the badge design for a DIY convention in Atlanta. She’s sold artwork to raise money for Hurricane Katrina Relief and Bosom Buddies of Georgia, Inc. She’s even had a piece of artwork shown on FOX5 morning news. You can keep track of her artwork and many projects at www.momentofstars.net
When did you first discover that you are an artist?
For as long as I can remember I’ve been drawing, coloring, doodling, you name it. It sounds so cliché but it’s true. I really started getting into art in tenth grade after my big move from the small town Alabama to the big city of Conyers. In Mrs. Collins’ class I learned the basics of art, the masters and their techniques and how to create and experiment with my own personal style.
What was it about painting that you enjoy so much?
I enjoy almost everything about creating art. I like the peace I feel when I’m putting together ideas and colors on canvas. It makes me happy to finally step back from a finished piece and say, “yes, I made that.” It’s even better when people enjoy my work
Has there been a time in your life when you felt a turning point in terms of the type of art you create?
After my daughter was born, my art became more about the image than the story I was trying to tell. Before becoming a mother I had plenty of time to think of an idea, figure out the flaws and get it on canvas almost exactly how I wanted it. Nowadays it’s a challenge to find time to concentrate on a project. There’s always laundry to do, dinner to cook, boo-boos to kiss and other demands of everyday life with a child. A friend noticed my style changed after seeing some new artwork. My lines weren’t clear and backgrounds were shaky. Everything was created with quick strokes of the brush or palette knife. He said I created chaos on canvas when there’s calm in real life. When there’s a significant change to my everyday life my artistic style changes, most of the time for the better.
Is there a specific place where you feel particularly inspired creatively?
I find inspiration in normal places like art galleries, museums, and in my own art corner of my home. I also become inspired inside of libraries, in the middle of historic cemeteries and even in downtown Atlanta at a music concert. There’s inspiration to be found all around and I try my best to take it all in.
Has there been any one moment in your artistic career that really stands out for you?
I remember getting a ribbon for a drawing in first grade, using crayons to create a portrait of my dad, selling my first painting in high school, hearing my college art professor say my work is amazing, and setting up my first show at TUAC. There have been many wonderful moments in my art career and I hope to have a lot more in my lifetime.
Can you give our readers any insightful tips on pursuing their artistic goals?
To be an artist, you don’t have to take classes and learn the “correct” way to make art. Besides, not everyone has the privilege to take professional art classes. If you create art, you’re an artist.
Also, don’t sell yourself short. Have faith in yourself and your abilities and it’ll show in every aspect of your life. Not everyone will enjoy or even understand your work so it’s best to create mainly for yourself. There’s an audience for every style and genre of art.
Interview and photos by Johnnie Ann Gaskill.
