| Issue #22 - August 22, 2008 |
Honoring the Artist: Melissa Hornung
Talking with cover artist Melissa Hornung always brings lots of surprises and leaves the listener with a renewed sense of enthusiasm for life. That makes perfect sense, considering that Hornung herself has abundant energy and passion for all kinds of experiences.
Q: You mentioned that you went to Paris with your mother in May. That must have been special.
A: Yes. I had never been there before. This may sound like a cliche, but I loved the Eiffel Tower and the boat trip down the Seine. There just wasn't enough time to do everything. Words can't describe the experience; nothing prepares you for Paris. No books or movies.
Q: What were some unusual sites you saw?
A: The oldest vineyard in France, near the Sacre Coeur at the top of the hill, the highest point in Paris. Other surprising places were the beautiful cemeteries.
Q: ( laughing ) But you rode no horses in Paris.
A: No. I reserve that for home. In fact I was thinking about moving to Aiken, South Carolina where they have lots of horse farms. I love it there. Or Wellington, Florida, near Palm Beach. It's a Mecca for horses and the International Stadium for Polo is there.
Q: I know you are as busy as ever when it comes to your horse activities.
A: Yes. I'm going to Argentina this December for the Golden Cup Finals of Polo. I'm looking forward to getting inspired for my next art series.
Q: Speaking of inspiration, you certainly were inspired for this week's cover. What's the painting called?
A: "Freedom Horse." The rider is the daughter of the man who commissioned me to paint it. The horse is really feeling the weather.
Q: I know you have a deep passion for horses, your own four and others. And you care deeply about helping charities that care for horses.
A: I will do anything I can for a fund raiser for off-track horses. That's for horses who no longer race because they are too old, have an injury or whose feet are soft. Some people who have off-track horses will sell them for meat. Money comes first for them.
Q: You would never do that.
A: No. In fact, I want to have a shelter for these horses, a non-profit place. Horses are majestic creatures for our care. We owe it to them to take care of them. They are one of my most passionate causes.
Q: You have other passions as well. For example, your feature writing.
A: Right. I like to make people think. I like to remind them to connect with people. If you're in a miserable mood, smile. That helps to overcome your mood.
Q: What about your art? That's another aspect of your life that you feel strongly about.
A: There's nothing more inspirational and there's no better feeling of self-accomplishment than through the arts. There's an artist in all of us. Find your inner artist.
Q: What is it about painting horses that serves this purpose?
A: Painting a horse forces you to look at every fiber, every view. It helps establish a strong relationship with horses. I have four horses that I really love. They inspire me.
- Marion Wolberg Weiss
For Ms. Hornung's prints and art cards, see www.peconicbayoriginals.com For information about the artist, go to www.monamelissa.com
Correction: In last week's "Honoring the Artist: Walter Bernard," it was noted that "Portraits of a Lady" would be on Showtime, Sept. 11. This network is incorrect and will be on Cinemax, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
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