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.

 

What is your work environment like, do you have a home studio? An ocean view? what sort of music do you like to listen to while you work?
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.

 

How is your day structured as a working artist?
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!

 

How did you begin your career as an artist?
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.

 

What was your first big success as an artist?
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!

  

What inspires your work?
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.

 

Are there other artists that inspire you?
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!

 

What is your favorite medium?
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.

 

Of all the cards we publish by you, do you have a favorite?
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.