Posted by on 1/1/2022 to
Featured Artists
Featured Artist-Maureen Flynn
At
Calypso we publish cards by artists from all over the world – tell us
where you grew up and where you live and work.I’m from the quaint suburb town
of Yardley, PA. I live and work as a freelance artist/designer/wife/mother in
Harleysville, PA.
My entire house is my studio! I
create in the space that calls to me. If I’m working digitally, it’s the living
room in front of the windows, beneath the flowers and trees. When I’m writing,
I like to tuck myself into the upstairs office for zero distractions. And when
I’m called to paint, I set up shop on the kitchen table - the open space offers
a ton of beautiful light, plus I can see the birds at the feeders on the deck. When
I’m painting, I choose music that feels visual to me - my go-to is usually jazz
or the dynamic sounds of Stereolab. When I’m doing something requiring my full attention,
I usually listen to classical or nature soundtracks.
I start my day with a workout which
doubles as freethinking time; I keep a notebook close at hand for when cool
ideas strike. With a substantial coffee in hand, I then review my current artwork
and designs for inspiration as to what I put out in the world, which always gives
me a sense of accomplishment (which is needed, I think, as the lone artist in
her studio). I go with what takes priority - either creating new art, designing
collections, working on projects in progress, email… or social media… I’m an
intuitive juggler! I love working on projects in tandem and I always allow for
the impulse to create as it happens and indulge because that’s where the gold
is!
I began as a production artist, hand
block printing on textiles, making props for retail window displays and designing
installations for their boutique showroom at the Javits Center in New York City.
Seeing my 12 Days of Christmas illustrations, commissioned
by Lenox, come to life as a multi-piece holiday hostess collection - front and
center as a feature display at Macy’s stores nationwide! It’s really thrilling when
you see your art in the world!
A combination of things in
concert; a favorite scent paired with a particular song can bring on the
loveliest art adventure for me! And the sound of rain or the look of early
morning moving into light… lots of sensory things converging inspire me. Simply
put, my whole world is an inspiration.
Ummm… Andy Warhol’s
illustrations, Matisse’s oil paintings, Francesco Clemente’s portraits, Chet Baker’s
singing, Mary Oliver’s poetry… I can go on…
What is your earliest memory of creating art?
I was about 6 and we were living
by the shore... I remember teaching myself how to draw portraits - it was Andy
Gibb’s - I would practice drawing the pop star from his record album for hours!
I really don’t have a favorite medium;
I need both digital and analog methods to feel satisfied as an artist/designer...
I can’t go too long without doing some ink or watercolor, and I need digital to
feel grounded… but digital is awesome because it can mimic analog painting really
well and there’s no mess!
How has your style changed over time?
My style
has become more sophisticated through technique and color palette - I choose simplicity as a personal standard. The
style of art I enjoy creating includes
editorial illustration, surface design and fine art painting.
My favorite cards tend to be those
with the most “uniqueness” or nuance. The Fauve collection, (inspired by the
paintings of early 20th century modern artists called “Fauves”) are my
current favorites - I like the combination of their strong use of color in
contrast with the delicate foil embellishments.
Click here to see Maureen Flynn's entire collection.
