This week we interview the lovely Christine Watson who has been with us at the EFO since the very beginning!!
1.
What was the first piece of art you remember making?
Although I
have always drawn and painted as long as I can remember my clearest memories of
creating artworks was in my RE lessons where we had to make a series of
pictures illustrating episodes from the Bible. I was especially proud of my
depiction of St Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus. My teacher Mrs
Thornley praised it highly but added that although I was good a drawing I was
certainly not a genius - a baffling comment as at the age of nine I had never
really reflected on my ability one way or the other!
2. If you were an animal, what would you be?
Probably
all three of my cats who live life to the full in very different ways but
totally on their own terms.
3. An indulgence
Swimming
in the sea at the beach at Marathias near Neapolis in the very southern
Peloponnese. Beautiful warm, clear water shared only with a few locals - the
madding crowd have yet to spoil it with their noise and clutter!
4.
When making art, what is your biggest mind block?
Having
worked as a professional artist for over 30 years the concept of mind block is
irrelevant and I have learnt to work through the bad times in order to create
the good ones. Waiting for the muse to arrive is not an option and I have to
work to a strict routine much as I would in any job.
5. Favourite
place in East Finchley?
It has to be
the Phoenix Cinema! Before we moved to East Finchley we used to go to the
Phoenix very frequently on the 102 bus from Temple Fortune and in the end it
seemed simpler to move house in 1989. We've been members for years and cherish
the wide and varied programme ranging from Led Zepplins Celebration to All is
Lost to Whiplash.
6. What
inspires you to make more art?
A
quest for perfection! If I ever reach the stage when I feel I have created the
perfect picture I'll know it's time to give up
- but as only a handful of us achieve that goal I know I'll be painting
hard for ever. Each painting I make is a rehearsal for the next!
7. How did
you get involved in the East Finchley Open?
I
was involved from the outset and was one of the exhibitors at the famous
concert given by Sarah Downs and her ensemble at the church in Durham Road.
8. What is your fondest memory of London?
It
has to be the Olympics - such an amazing summer filled with the feel good
factor and the excitement that London actually got it right!
9. What
are you doing at the moment?
Painting
hard, etching even harder and teaching harder still. I have plans but am
keeping those under wraps for the time being!
10. Where
in Social Media can people find you? (Facebook, twitter..)
Twitter
@cswsc96
Facebook
Christine Watson and Christine Watson's Art Classes - shows much of the
brilliant work done by my hardworking students!
