Eva Magill Oliver

Which 3 words best define how you would like your art to be perceived?

BALANCED / STRONG / FEMININE

What creative challenge have you faced and overcome that has transformed your art practice?

I think I - similar to a lot of female artists - was creatively challenged by the birth of my son. Not only the obvious difficulties arise like lack of sleep, time to work, and mental fatigue, but also ones I didn't predict such as feelings of guilt if not 100% mentally focused on him. Although as time went on, I began to feel more comfortable and balanced as a new mother. Looking back, I think the forced time away from the work allowed for a much needed pause. After the break, I think my work became much more thoughtful and introspective and evolved in ways I would have never expected or predicted.

What tools do you use as part of the preliminary stages of your process?

Mainly sketchbooks - a professor in college stressed the importance of this tool for an artist and I have faithfully used one ever since. It is a safe, non-judgmental place for me to explore ideas, different color palettes and practice new themes and techniques. I also typically have a stack of design/art magazines and books that I often flip through to help generate ideas and serve as a catalyst for new paintings and projects.

How do you usually start an art session - any habits or rituals ?

I typically make some tea and begin to organize/clean the studio from my last session. At my drawing desk, I will begin to make small fast studies in either my sketchbook or loose paper. I find these quick mental warm ups help in allowing my mind, eyes, and hands to start working together. This practice is also a gateway to start larger canvases and projects.

How do you deal with doubts and fears?

Fears and doubts are natural and even a healthy part of being an artist. If utilized in a healthy way, they can aid in self-awareness and self-improvement and also help to improve the art we produce. I would assume I’m not unlike most artists in that I am truly my own worst critic. By the time I actually exhibit a piece of art publicly, all of my fears have subsided. I have resolved any doubts at this time and know in my mind and heart that I have produced my best work.

With what intentions do you infuse your art making?

Over the years, the themes and subject matters have changed and evolved. They would fluctuate with the current events occurring in my mind that were shaping my mental state. Yet the one constant that circulates throughout my work is the natural world and our place in it. Nature influences my color palettes, patterns, compositions, etc. It serves as an endless source of inspiration and never fails to fill me with ideas.

What brilliant piece of advice were you given on your creative journey and would be happy to share?

I love this quote from Pablo Picasso – he said, “Never permit a dichotomy to rule your life, a dichotomy in which you hate what you do so you can have pleasure in your spare time. Look for a situation in which your work will give you as much happiness as your spare time.” A neighbor, friend, and fellow artist gave me very similar advice when my son was young. Simply to continue to do what you love. Hopefully your children will see this passion in you and emulate it in their own life.

What is something absurd that you love doing ?

I am addicted to La Croix water and I add it to my white wine to make my own version of a spritzer. I probably drink 10 of these a day! Mostly just the cans, not 10 wine spritzers ;)

What do you like about your work, what do you dislike about it?

I like that my work often comes across as stronger and more confident than I actually am. I can live vicariously through my work. I dislike that there is always an element or section that I am not satisfied with. There’s always an area that isn’t perfectly resolved in my mind.

What do you tell yourself to keep out of procrastination?

I think aging and motherhood have cured me of my procrastination. It was certainly a habit when I was younger and now I think of it maybe even as a luxury. I guess that is one positive benefit of getting older. The constant feeling that every moment should be utilized and cherished to the fullest extent.