Darlene Kulig, Woods at Dusk

Darlene Kulig, Woods at Dusk, Acrylic on canvas, 91 x 91 cm, $775

1. Tell us about the artwork you have in the VAM 2011 Juried Show.

Snow has always been a fascination for me. I have been working on a series of snow pieces in which I was trying to depict temperature, drifting and meandering lines – as well as gorgeous shadows. The selection in the show was the second in the series of five. I chose it because it was the most intuitive, evoking memories of long forgotten late afternoon walks with childhood friends.

2. How and when did you first become interested in creating art?

I began drawing in earnest in Grade 5. Throughout my school years it was a singular passion of mine – so much so – that my one and only application for college was to OCA where I attended on a fine art scholarship. After graduating I ran my own graphic design studio for 18 years and now, after raising my 3 teenagers, I am returning to my first love – fine art.

3. What do you think of the art scene in Mississauga? Where do you see it heading in the next ten years?

Based on the reputation of this show I am very impressed. I was also delighted to see that Mississauga City planners understood the importance of art being accessible in the community by housing such a wonderful gallery. Bravo!

4. What advice would you give young people who want to become artists?

Everyone has some artistic ability – FULL STOP. Don’t be afraid to self express. Years ago when I was a big sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters, I encouraged my little brother to do a self portrait. We both could not believe the results and we entered it into the AGO’s largest self portrait show that was being organized at the time!  Kids are naturally fearless – don’t ever lose that and pursue your artistic dreams.

5. What do you have lined up after the VAM Juried Show? For people interested in finding more of your artwork, do you have a website, blog, Twitter account or gallery?

Presently I am showing at the Gallery of Caribbean Art in Barbados and I will be at the Kingsway-Lambton United Church Art Show this coming April 9. My work regularly appears at the Neilson Creative Park Gallery and some of my images have been licensed by PI Fine Art’s International catalogue. You can see all my work at http://www.flickr.com/photos/darlene_kulig_artist/

See Darlene Kulig’s Woods at Dusk at the Art Gallery of Mississauga in the VAM 33rd Annual Juried Show of Fine Arts until February 26.

Voting for People’s Choice Award ongoing until February 26. Ballots available at Gallery Reception.