Mimi: A large part of my process is observing. You may even call it daydreaming. I live in upstate New York and am surrounded by nature, a very different environment from my past urban existence. There is a lot to focus on in nature and when I’m ready I know the studio is calling.
What is your favorite time of day? Why?
Mimi: 6AMish I take my dog for a walk first thing, even before coffee and the world is just waking up. In the Summer, the birds are just bananas, and the sun is already peaking above horizon. In the winter it’s completely dark and very still. The same but different. It’s all so fresh. I know there is no one bugging me and I have time to just be.
Which do you believe to be true- Art imitates life, or life imitates art?
Mimi: So many things happening in the real world right now seems to be scripted, so I think life imitates art. But generally, I think they are totally separate entities there to inspire each other.
So many things happening in the real world right now seems to be scripted, so I think life imitates art. But generally, I think they are totally separate entities there to inspire each other.
How do you conquer a creative block?
Mimi: I have a lot of interests that inform my art so whenever there I have a question about where a piece may be going I can head to the garden or forest and just look. I also have a box of goodies that I use for color inspo. Things in it range from dog toys to magazine swipes.
What makes your pulse quicken? What makes you feel alive?
Mimi: You mean other than a romp? When I’m in the throes of painting. I am completely in the zone, almost like I’m not in control of the moment.
Home is where the heart is. 5-10 places in your hometown that make it homey:
Mimi: Victoria Gardens, I’m a crazy gardener and Victoria Gardens in Rosendale curates a special collection of plants. Overlook Bakery, OMG! The best cookies. Rough Draft, a must stop for coffee whenever I’m in Kingston Ashokan reservoir, so lucky to have the trails around the reservoir! We go early in the morning so Memphis can be off the leash (shhh!). Bread alone, after a long walk along the Ashokan Reservoir with Memphis, we stop off to get a snack and a drink. Caffee, more coffee! This time in Woodstock. WagInn, home away from home for Memphis. Cheese Louise, Some seriously delicious cheese here as well as a great selection of other goodies too! Catskill Art Supply, Lucky to have such a great supply store close by so I don’t need to order online all the time. Black Dot, Weekend coffee in Stone Ridge.
Hahaha! Lots of food places - home is where the stomach is!
