Anna Mages: In a previous statement, you talked about the importance of color relationships. You said that a rich visual experience is so necessary that, if it is not there, the artwork is dead. How did you begin to develop this view about color? How did it develop as you moved from caricature work into formal painting? Do you ever arrive at a point where you are satisfied with the color relationship? And if not, what do you do with...
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Elise Cochran: You studied painting and drawing at the University of Tennessee, then went to North Texas for your MFA in painting/drawing and sculpture. What initially drew you to studio art, and how did the three disciplines of painting, drawing, sculpture build on each other? Jennifer Pepper: I’ve been drawing since I was very little and was encouraged by my family and teachers. Even though access to Fine art education and museums was limited, I was able take ad...
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Rachel Bubis: Your work is deeply rooted in your experiences growing up in Memphis as a third-generation Chinese American. How has the cultural landscape of Memphis shaped your practice? Sharon Havelka: I was born in Memphis and grew up in the 80’s from the generation of Delta Chinese that owned and operated corner grocery stores in neighborhoods throughout the south. My sister and I played in the aisles stocking shelves and breaking down boxes. She would ring up customers on th...
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