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8 SIgNAl TRIbUNe
Imitating Life
OCTObeR 4, 2013
14 questions for local artist Monica Fleming Cory Bilicko
Managing Editor
In 100 words or less, what do you do as an artist? I am an abstract artist and painter.
What motivates you to create art? I think I came out of the womb creating; it’s just what I was born to do.
How has your practice changed over time? I like to think I’ve grown as an artist just in terms of experience alone. I always like to try new forms of expression using different mediums, but I’m much more confident with paint and painting. Monica Fleming
Do you ever get artist’s block? If so, how do you combat it? I couldn't imagine an artist not getting creative blocks, but when it happens I resort to nature and music.
Beauty through the ages
What do you think your life would be like if, for some reason, you could no longer create art? I imagine I would feel lost.
Circa B.C.
Circa 1950s
Circa 2013
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What role does the artist have in society? Art awakens the imaginaton, reminds people that everything is created out of nothingness.
Have you ever been banned or censored to any degree as an artist? “Beautiful Blue,” acrylic on canvas If so, how did you react? If not, how do you think you would react in that situation? I am working on another project that has a provocative history and pushes buttons, but that’s one of the purposes of art. Does your artistic life ever get lonely? If so, what do you do to counteract it? Being an artist can be a lonely experience because creation requires that, but that’s all a part of it. It’s not always that way... plus the shows help. What do you hope to achieve with your art? Inner joy, travel, continue to reach a larger audience, the ability to keep doing it. What are one or two primary areas of fear for you as an artist? The beginning of a painting is always the scariest; moving something from my imagination to tangibility is a bit frightening.
What are one or two factors that, when they’re in place, enable you to really flourish artistically? Music is an important part of my creation process, and the support of my friends. What jobs have you had other than being an artist? Bartender What’s your favorite color? Blue
“Dream Theatre,” acrylic on canvas Fleming will be one of the artists participating in the Long Beach Open Studio Tour on Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13. For more information, visit lbopenstudiotour.com . To see more of Fleming’s work, visit monicafleming.com .
How do you feel when people ask you to explain the meaning of your art? I’m happy to tell the stories of each piece.
“Free From Now On,” acrylic on canvas
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