Last November, I attended an art business workshop run by Alyson B. Stanfield. at the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington. One of the attendees was an ARTsister. I checked their website and have been in touch with Linda Dubin Garfield via her newsletter since then.
I was fortunate to meet some of the ARTsisters on a day trip to Washington DC this summer to see some of the Colorfield Remix exhibits.
Across The Plain -- art work by Linda Dubin Garfield.
Why Philadelphia?
I was born here and have lived here my whole life.
Why did you start the ARTsisters?
In December, 2005. I realized that my long-time friend and fellow artist Leslie DeBrocky functioned as more than a friend when it came to discussing and helping with my art. She was really an ARTsister, one who understood the process and could really understand the highs and lows involved with the challenges of a professional artist. Together we opened membership to other women and, through word of mouth, now have 20 members and an email list of 60 interested women. Sharing resources and offering support to each other, we now have a schedule of shows, both individual and group, for the next two years, including shows in Philadelphia and Wynnewood, and at the Wilmington Arts Commission in Delaware.
What is your favorite thing to create?
I love doing monotypes. In the early 90’s, I took a printmaking class and fell in love with the press. I love the process- the smell of the ink, the sound the ink makes when you are rolling it out, and the surprise when you finish printing. Now I am adding other elements to the print- like collage, mixed media and most recently, digital imaging. It is an endless journey of experimentation and exploration.
How would you describe your style?
Mainly I do expressive landscapes. My work is based in nature but I do not do realistic work. I have traveled a lot and the impressions of many magnificent scenes combine in my mind’s eye and I put those on paper. I am creating personal memoirs and hope to share my passion and joie de vivre with those seeing my work.
When did you sell your first piece of art? What was it?
I sold my first piece of work in March, 2003. It was a series of monoprints that I included in a show of prints and photos in a restaurant in Northeast Philadelphia.
When did you first call yourself an artist?
Interesting question! I wanted to be an artist since I was 8 years old. I majored in art in high school, but was too fearful to continue my studies in college. I took art electives and became an English teacher and then a guidance counselor. I always did art for my avocation and sanity! In 2004, my childhood friend Myrna Brind died and left me some money to do something special so I went on a trip to Mexico with Francine Shore and 12 other artists. I was the only one of the group that did not consider myself an ”artist.” When I came back from that trip, I overcame my fear of rejection and called myself an ARTIST and began to show in public. I have discovered that I am good not only at making art, but also at the marketing and public relations necessary to get my art out into the public’s eye. Once there, the response has been good.
If you weren’t an artist, what occupation would you be in?
I loved counseling students about their future and helping them reach their goals. I worked for the last 9 years of my counseling career at the High School for Creative and Performing Arts in Philadelphia where I helped students “follow their Dream.” When I retired, I followed my own advice and followed my dream. Combining my counseling and consultant skills with my art experience, I have started a business for helping artists called smart business consulting. I help artists reach their goals and their audience by offering business support for creatives. My website is www.smartbusinessconsulting.org
What is your next piece of art/project going to be? What inspired you to do it?
I am working on a mixed media project using digital imaging that is different from my other work. After a trip to Budapest, Prague and Vienna, I am doing work based on the theme “Beyond the Seen,” using beautiful landscapes with layers of holocaust images behind them. I was struck by the history of the place and how it is, and is not, included in present day life.
Do you sell on line? Where else can we find your work? Contact info?
Yes, I sell through my own website www.lindadubingarfield.com, InLiquid and art-exchange.
What snack food do you always have on hand?
Soy Delicious peanut butter ice cream bars. They’re amazing.
