| Issue #01, March 28, 2008 |
Honoring the Artist: Yvonne Dagger
The subject of this week's cover ("Main Street Showers") by Yvonne Dagger is not an arbitrary one; it truly reflects the artist's love of changing seasons, just as her last cover did, "Used up Snow Days." "It's amazing how the same beach or street can be transformed by the seasons," Ms. Dagger remarks as a way of explaining her fascination with diverse climates.
But "transformation" has other meanings for this artist, especially when she's talking about her three dogs: Maggie, Jimmy and Tommy.
Q: How do your three beagles "transform" you to another place?
A: I have learned great lessons from dogs; they live in the moment and find beauty in everything. But especially when I'm in the studio during the winter, they remind me of the beach when they are with me as I'm painting in the summer. They bring me to that place, keep me connected to those days on the beach.
Q: I have a feeling that all you do is transformational. For example, when you paint, how is the experience?
A: When I'm painting, time will pass so quickly. It's a spiritual moment.
Q: Speaking of painting, what are your current projects like?
A: I am working on a new commission of the Farmingdale Elementary School; I am now preparing thumb-nail sketches, paintings and mock-ups for murals to be placed in various wings of the school. For example, there will be a music wing and a physical education wing.
Q: This connection to children relates, perhaps, to your book project with your twin sister.
A: Yes. We are doing a children's book together, She's writing it, and I'm illustrating it.
Q: Is it about twins?
A: No, it came out of an experience my sister had with her grandchild who had "butterflies" when she was starting school.
Q: I'm curious. What kind of twins are you?
A: Mirror twins. They are rarer than fraternal or identical twins. We have opposite traits. In such cases, one is left-handed, the other is right-handed, for example. My sister is more factual and scientific than I am.
Q: How about your children's traits? Are they opposites?
A: My son is a math teacher; my daughter is a writer in Public Relations.
Q: I guess your son takes after your husband who is a businessman. Who did you take after as far as your art abilities go?
A: My parents were both creative people. My grandmother had a millinery business; she ran a company on Fifth Avenue in New York. She also sang at the Met.
Q: How do you see your art in the future?
A: I hope that my art continues as it is and continues to inspire people to feel better. Creating enriches not only me but also people who are looking at my work.
- Marion Wolberg Weiss
Ms. Dagger's work, including the cover, can be seen at Southampton's Chrysalis Gallery.
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