Q&A with BARBARA READ-BLUSANOVICS

6/21/2016

Barbara Read-Blusanovic, ONE OF OUR FEATURED ARTISTS JULY 2016, HAS A Q&A

AC: What is your earliest memory of making art as a child and what are the artistic influences that nurtured your artistic expressions?
BRB: I was making art as long as I can remember as a young child. My mother was my greatest influence. She would repurpose old canvases and other household goods to create unusual art pieces. She taught me to be inspired by my surroundings and use them artistically.
AC: What was the event or series of events that brought you to move from painting to the newer endeavor of clay art?
BRB: I don’t believe I will ever stop painting but my clay addiction has taken over. I have always loved 3D art. For example, I spent many years volunteering at my sons’ schools and art summer camps, decorating them by constructing large elaborate life size scenes mostly with colored paper and paint. I also enjoyed glazing bisque wear. I always felt an affinity to ceramics but never pursued it until I came across a class at a local community center. The instructor was so fascinated by what I could create in his class that he offered to share his studio with me. I apprenticed with him for nine month during which I learned the basics of ceramics art.
AC: In your artist statement, you say that your designs are influenced by your personal belief in health, happiness and spirituality. Please elaborate.
BRB: I am a big believer in living healthy, happy and spiritually and try to make this comes through in my art pieces. Each piece is done intuitively drawing on these beliefs and hope to generate them in others. My trademark BLU123 is a family good luck sign. I put this logo on each of my pieces giving well wishes to the persons who acquire them.
AC: Are there any well-known artists that influence your art style?
BRB: My ceramics pieces are not inspired by any specific artist as I’m not a traditional potter. However, my industrial series is influenced by the steam punk movement.
AC: When you are not making art, what do you spend time doing that you enjoy?
BRB: I enjoy working out at the gym, and hanging out with my husband Vincent and my furry friends (Bear the golden retriever and 2 cats Tully and Cas)