Interview with Tina Mackin

Tina Mackin
www.smackinart.etsy.com
This week I talked with Tina Mackin, of smackinart.etsy.com Her work is bold and vivid, and makes a statement wherever it is. Read on to learn more about our conversation with this artist about her fun works.

CORINNE: Where do you get your inspiration?
TINA: Watercolors - nature, music; editorial cartoons - pop culture and the news; illustrations - people, music and issues.

CORINNE: When getting ready to start a new watercolor, how do you select what to paint?
TINA: It’s usually the color or form. When I was painting daffodils, I was drawn to their form. When I painted this large piece on hibiscus, it was the flower’s bold orange color. Once a form or color has caught my attention, the item seems to appear everywhere saying, “paint me, paint me.”

CORINNE: What sets you apart from your competition?
TINA: Each art piece is original. I do not photograph things and, then, trace them as a surprising number of artists do. I do not make giclee's of my work. Each piece is the only and the original.

CORINNE: What medium do you work in the most?
TINA: Currently, ink and pencil.

CORINNE: Do you show your work in any galleries?
TINA: Prior to Hurricane Katrina, I was very active in gallery hops and shows. After the hurricane, the main gallery were I sold my work closed and the other stopped dealing with original art. I gave my paintings a break. Currently, I have paintings at Anabel’s Oriental Rug Gallery in St. Matthews and Widdershins in Louisville.

CORINNE: What about craft shows?
TINA: Not anymore. I wasn't make enough money for the time and effort it demanded. Which do you do better at, etsy or craft shows? Etsy is easier on the art that's for sure.

CORINNE: What product in your shop is your favorite right now?
TINA: Hmmm. Derby Anticipation.

CORINNE: I love your Pomegranate painting, can you tell me more about it?

TINA: Pom drinks, capsules and this-n-that were in the mainstream grocery stores. I was intrigued. I was drawn to the red color. I thought the fruit was beautiful on the outside, but had no idea what it looked like on the inside. So, I decided to buy 2, cut one open and paint.

CORINNE: Who is the artist who inspires you the most?
TINA: I love the creative work of Vadis Turner. I am listening to Sara Bareilles right now. I can't go wrong with The Dixie Chicks have a song for my every mood.

CORINNE: I can tell pop art really inspires you. If Warhol and Rauschenberg were in a boxing match, who would win?
TINA: Yes, I am a big fan of Pop Art. Warhol wouldn’t fight with fists only with words. I’d guess Rauschenberg. His work seems like he’d be a frenetic person.

CORINNE: Where in Kentucky are you?
TINA: Louisville

CORINNE: Tell me a little about your family.
TINA: I am married with two children (almost 12 year old daughter and almost 10 year old son – they have summer birthdays). I have three dogs that are like children, a bunny, guinea pig and a fish.

CORINNE: How do your kids like mom being an artist? I know it’s a big deal to my daughter.
TINA: The children love me being an artist. And, they respect when I’m working on a piece. It’s also educational as my kids hear me say when I love a piece and when I think I’ve missed the mark. I know my kids loved seeing my work out in the community. When I belonged to the Kentucky Watercolor Society, I participated in many member exhibits, one of which was the local library.

CORINNE: What do you do to get over creative block or to take a break from creating?
TINA: Spend time in nature, work in my journals, go for a walk, take anap or meditate.

CORINNE: Your Etsy shop (smackinart.etsy.com) has some fabulous paintings in there. Do you have a website or blog in addition to your etsy shop?
TINA: My website is www.smackinart.com

CORINNE: If you could give just one tip to a newbie to selling their craft online,what would it be?
TINA: Take good photographs of your work.

Be sure to check out Tina’s website for a much more extensive collection of her paintings. Her variety is impressive. You can purchase her original watercolors on smackinart.etsy.com

Next week's interview: Jacqueline Ettinger