| Issue #32 - October 31, 2008 |
Honoring the Artist: Yvonne Dagger
This week's cover by Yvonne Dagger is a bit unusual, there's no doubt about it. The fall setting is at once familiar and a bit surreal, the tree trunks and water reflections conveying an "other worldliness." Dagger's ability to take us from the real to the unreal, to involve us in her vision of life, is both mesmerizing and intense. And special.
Q: Although you have a very individualized view of the world, you have been doing commissions where you transform your visions to conform to the client's ideas. But I have a feeling your work is still your own. What connects your commissioned paintings?
A: The series at the car dealership, Smithtown-Kia on Jericho Turnpike, is larger than life. Perhaps that's a connection. But people know my work; there's a certain technique that I have.
Q: Your murals at area schools also create a certain atmosphere, a unique world.
A: I have been doing murals at two schools; this summer I did one at Albany Avenue School in Farmingdale, and this fall I started a mural at Woodward Parkway School where I am doing a park scene in the cafeteria. It was quite a challenge to work around things like the heating element, water fountain and firebox. But the students really responded to the scene with its birds, butterflies and rabbits. Squirrels running up a tree.
Q: How about the Albany Avenue School?
A: I did a mural for the main entranceway and the kindergarten entrance. The image was hot air balloons. Students there for the summer recreation program saw me create it each day. It was like performance art.
Q: Where would you like to paint another mural, no matter where it is?
A: I don't know, but I really liked doing my granddaughter's wall. We paint together, using the spatter method.
Q: Obviously, you have a real bond with children. How is it to work with your grandchild?
A: I teach her about artists, like Jackson Pollock. She's only 4 years old. Maddie is like a flower blossoming. I tell her an artist can paint a red elephant if they want. You let the flower blossom.
Q: Did you start painting when you were young?
A: Yes, when I was about 11; my parents gave me an oil painting set.
Q: Now that you are an adult, how has your process changed?
A: With the murals, I would get into a transcendental state. I never knew that about myself. When I paint in the studio, I'll lose track of time. I have to set a timer if I have an appointment.
Q: What is it about this "state" that has particular meaning for you?
A: This state of "centering" is such a gift that God gave me. It didn't happen right away. It took years. If you let creativity flow from you, it will happen.
Q: How else do you define success?
A: Success for me is to continue to inspire people for a long, long time.
- Marion Wohlberg Weiss
Yvonne Dagger will be showing her work at New York's Pen & Brush Gallery (16 E. 10th Street) from Nov. 7 to 30. Her website is: www.yvonnedaggerartist.com.
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