April Artist of the Month

Yes, we skipped March. Lots going on got in the way of sharing the talent of our fabulous artists. Luckily, things are settling down a bit and we're able to share this month's artist, drumb roll please.... Joose Hadley. Here's Joose's interview:

Question: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Joose: The artist becomes the eyes of the world. We see what others may have forgotten. We portray what others may desire. We define a reality which becomes a golden path to life: A journey which gives relief to those on an endless march towards the end. We give life to an otherwise drab existence and joy to a world in chaos.

Being from Northern California, I'm a country girl. I spent my childhood exploring the outdoors by foot, by bicycle and finally by horse. Since I went to a small 2 room school, I had no art program, but in high school, I took art classes every year. In my Senior year I was awarded the Bank of American Award in Art. I attended Sacramento State College, but like many artists, I lacked the confidence to major in art. I knew I had to make a living, so I went into teaching. For 15 years while teaching high school English, I'd paint at night after grading my papers. Eventually I decided to pursue my dream to do my art. So I quit my job, sold my house and lived the life of a vagabond: Bicycled through Australia and New Zealand, Ran a marathon in Tasmania, Rode round-ups in Nevada, wrote and illustrated free-lance articles for magazines, and started my own art business, "Joose arts." In 1989 I ended up back in Sacramento to marry my pen-pal, soul-mate and best friend, James. Since moving to Florida in 1995, we have done a variety of things, but finally in 2003 we opened our art and custom framing business in Westchase, (Great Art & Frame). In 2009 we fulfilled another dream which was to have a small farm. We found a place in Lutz and started "The Ark", where we raise chickens, rabbits, and fish (tilapia) and defy the Florida summers by growing a garden year round.

Every day, I get to work at what I love. The custom framing makes art and mementos look wonderful. Giving art lessons is a joy by giving someone else the opportunity to create beauty! When painting I love losing myself in the project. And whether it's art or a custom frame job, I always love to see the customer's eyes light up when they see what I've done. When working on "The ark" on my days off, I love gardening and caring for the animals. I could spend all day in the myriad of chores that present themselves when I walk out of the house. We rarely have anything go to waste, there is always something that benefits from our discards. I love knowing that everything we raise is healthy and made from our own hands.

Question: What first made you want to become an artist?

Joose: when I was 3 or 4 I loved the colored modeling clay that I had just gotten for a birthday gift. While I was supposed to be taking a nap, I unwrapped the clay sticks and pinched off bits and smeared them onto the wood cabinet of an old Victrola on the table next to my bed, turning it into a splendid rainbow of colors. Unfortunately, my mother didn't appreciate my efforts to make it pretty... but that's continued to be my purpose throughout my life.

Question: Describe your creative process.

Joose: My creative process is to START... add changes... modify as needed... and stop. That's all there is to it! Of these steps, the first is often the most difficult. Life just seems to get in the way. Just like when I was a runner I found the hardest part was putting on my running shoes. Once that was done, the rest was easy!

Question: Top 5 books, movies, songs, groups, websites

Joose: I just finished Ken Follet's "Pillars of the Earth" which was as good if not better than "Fall of Giants" ...... :)

Wow! Joose, thank you so much for sharing. Fantastic interview!!!

Stay tuned for future Westchase Artists of the Month.