I chatted with Connie Osgood recently. Being a retired teacher, she was succinct with her words. I supposed you have to be to be able to keep the attention of kids… and interviewers.
I hope you enjoy her interview as much as I did in interviewing her.
[Featured Artwork: “Out Of The Blue” by Connie Osgood.]
Q&A
The following responses are lightly edited for length and clarity.
01. Rock, paper, or scissors?
Scissors, because I like doing collage work and I quilt.
02. What are three interesting facts about you?
A. I have an identical twin sister who lives in Winnipeg. If people got us confused, I’d just pretend I was her.
B. I’ve taught every grade from 3 to 12.
C. I have a stepson who played in the NHL. He played for Detroit.
03. Is art your career or a hobby? Something else?
I guess when I taught school it might have been part of my career because I taught Art and English. But I always wanted more time to do it, so I guess it’s an extended hobby now.
04. Are you more productive at night or in the morning?
As I’m up at 6 in the morning, I’m usually more productive during the day.
05. What is the main medium you use in your art?
I was doing acrylic but I’ve gone back to doing oils. So, I switch between them right now.
06. Where did your passion for art start?
You know what? In school, I had a Grade 9 teacher who was trained in Europe. He told my mother that I should take private lessons; that I was talented. That’s where I started. Of course, knowing everything like a high school student does, I didn’t think that was worthwhile. However, as I did more art my interest began to develop. I attended the diploma program at the U of A and had many great instructors in courses I’ve taken. They have helped me develop my creativity and my skills.
07. What is your go-to band or artist?
I like Bob Seger, The Eagles… old time rock and roll.
08. What would be the most annoying thing about having yourself as a roommate?
Cleanliness. I like things organized.
09. What inspires your art?
Sometimes it’s florals, sometimes it’s mindless abstract, and certain artists I like, too. I like Van Gogh, the impressionist, and the Group of Seven. I also like experimenting.
10. What is the most unique thing about the city you live in?
I live in St. Albert (Alberta). What’s the most unique thing? There are great walking paths. People are friendly and the arts community is developing.
11. What is one common misconception about being an artist?
I believe many people believe that you whip the art off in no time so it should be cheap. They don’t realize the process involved in creativity, or the cost of materials.
12. What household chore do you actually enjoy?
Not many of them. I actually like cooking but I don’t know whether you would consider that a chore.
13. What app do you use most often?
Probably Facebook.
14. What would be your first question or thought after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?
Where am I?
15. What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t got around to?
More variety in my art. I’d like to extend my abstract more and go bigger.
16. What is your favorite drink?
Right now, in the summertime, it’s sangria.
17. What do you hope people get out of your art?
Enjoyment. The only reason I do art is because I like it. I’m really bad at pricing because I just want people to have it and enjoy it. I think that comes with being older and having worked and that kind of thing.
Great interview!
Great interview. Really enjoyed the variety of questions!