| Issue #24 - September 5, 2008 |
Honoring the Artist: Jeanne Salucci
For someone who has spent most of her professional life as an interior designer, cover artist Jeanne Salucci just woke up one morning and said to herself, "I have to do watercolors." Most people have dreams and ambitions, but they don't often act on them. Salucci did.
Q: What propelled you to go into watercolor?
A: I just felt the need to do this. And I live in such a beautiful part of Long Island, there are lots of beautiful things to paint.
Q: Give us an idea of how your location in Brookhaven Hamlet motivates you to paint.
A: We live on a creek near a marina, so I just put on a backpack, get on my bike and go. Five minutes later I'm like on a vacation. I can see a boat and start painting and watch the crabs come by in the water.
Q: Obviously, you are drawn to being outside and being with nature. What else is it about painting that you're atttracted to?
A: When I paint, I have no worries. When I do anything else, I'm thinking of something else.
Q: How did you get training to do watercolor?
A: I took lessons and joined an art group that traveled each day to paint outside. Luckily, when I looked for training, it was in my own backyard.
Q: How did being an interior designer affect you as an artist?
A: I'm self-taught as an interior designer; it was natural for me. So is watercolor. The connection between the two is that some design clients commission me to paint their homes.
Q: Are your children interested in art as well?
A: One son is an art director in Boston; another is a graphic designer.
Q: How about your husband?
A: He's a musician.
Q: Are you musically inclined?
A: I can't even turn on a radio.
Q: What do you think the future will be like as far as your art goes?
A: I want to learn oil painting and pastel. But there's still so much more to learn from watercolor. Next year I'm looking forward to going to France.
Q: What is your reaction to people who say they don't have time to take on a project they really want to do?
A: I don't say I can't do it. I don't fear it. It's a gift to do what you want. I'm going to enjoy it.
- Marion Wolberg Weiss
Ms. Salucci will be in a group show at BAFFA Art Gallery in Sayville on Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21. Call 631-589-7343 for information.
Ms. Salucci's website is www.JeanneSalucciArt.com
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