::Q & A:: Kelly Mudge

judge_mudge.jpgKelly Mudge is an artist who is interested in exploring the many aspects of the human condition with her work. Kelly does not focus on the outward appearance of her models. Instead, she seeks to capture their personality by focusing on their inner workings– the emotional side of their being. In a sense, Kelly strives to reveal the essence of her subjects.

We asked her a few questions:

Q: When did you realize you wanted to be an artist?

A: I’ve always wanted to be an artist of some type. I decided to 
pursue it professionally when I was in high school. Illustration and 
sequential art were my main focus at that time, but I fell in love 
with painting at art school.

Q: How would you define your work?

A: Emotional and symbolic. In my current body of work I am trying to 
capture the subjects personality in an unconventional way. I thought 
it would be interesting to do portraits that are more about the 
person on the inside than their physical appearance. I want to engage 
the viewer emotionally with each work.

Q: How is your creation process, and which mediums do you use?

A: I start out with thumbnail sketches, then I shoot my models 
digitally in my studio. I work with the image in photoshop to get the 
composition right, and then I paint from the printouts. I use acrylic 
paint, mostly- on wood.

Q: What’s been the most difficult part of being an artist?

A: Balance. Whether it be between commercial work and “real” work, 
work time and recreation time, or personal life and professional 
life. I struggle with those things every day.

Q: Do you think every artist seeks notoriety?

A: Probably. I think everyone at least wants to be known.

Q: How do you market your work?

A: Mostly my website, www.mudgefactory.com. I also send printed 
portfolios to potential galleries/ clients on a regular basis.

Q: Do you find difficult dealing with the business part of being an 
artist?

A: Of course- I’d rather be painting and letting someone else worry 
about the business!

Q: How would you define a successful artist career, and what course of 
action one should take?

A: Success is subjective. There is no predetermined path one should 
take to find success- it is different for everyone. Do what you love 
and see where it takes you.

Q: What would you say to those artists that many times feel like 
giving up, due to all difficulties?

A: If you want something bad enough, you can accomplish it. Do 
whatever it takes. If you can’t or aren’t willing to, then you didn’t 
want it badly enough.

Q: What’s your long-term plan as an artist?

A: I would like to continue making a living from my art, and growing 
as an artist.

www.mudgefactory.com

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