Today I’ll share the rest of my interview with Carmen Torbus, author/editor of THE ARTIST UNIQUE.    I am providing another perspective through the view and questions of my friend and fellow artist, Christine Mason Miller.  Her interview with Carmen can be found here:     http://christinemasonmiller.com/2011/07/05/interview-with-carmen-torbus/

Mary Anne:  When did you connect to your passion to share what you know about art with others?

Carmen:  I’ve always been a cheerleader and I have this innate passion to inspire and encourage.  When I discovered mixed media art and realized how much I love it, I immediately wanted to share everything I was learning.  It’s just who I am… when I get excited about something I’m not able to keep the lid on it.

Mary Anne:    How did the idea of a creative book first occur to you?

Carmen:  I was developing an on-line workshop called “Spill-It”, which was focused on letting loose, exploring creative ideas and developing a style all your own.  The tag-line for the course was basically, “You, on canvas.”  As I was exploring ideas and playing with the techniques I wanted to include in the workshop, I felt pulled towards the idea that this was more than a workshop.  I loved the idea of not only sharing my ideas and how my own style has developed and evolved, but to round up some of my mentors, friends and absolute favorite artists and ask them to share their techniques, ideas and inspiration.  And ultimately, I wanted the collaborative to reach a bigger audience – which led me to the idea of making it a book.

Mary Anne:   What relationship does writing have to your art?

Carmen:   I think I’m still just barely dipping my foot into that relationship.  I haven’t fully opened that door.  I still hesitate when it comes to writing.  I don’t freely call myself a writer the way I’m finally comfortable (most of the time) calling myself an artist.  Someone recently asked if they could feature my book on their website and I was elated.  Then they said, “since you’re a writer, just write and article and sent it over.”  I had to read the sentence twice.  Me?  A writer?  Wow, I guess I am a writer.  It still hasn’t quite sunk in.

I love words and I love incorporating them into my art.  I love to write about the process of creating and the emotions and passion around it.   So my art and my writing are definitely connected and I’m really enjoying the process of learning more about that connection.

What vision to you have for your future as a creative?

In my wildest dreams, I see myself leading powerful workshops and creative workshops for women.  I see myself speaking to audiences of creative dreamers, giving them permission to follow their biggest dreams with all their heart.  I see myself writing inspiring messages of hope and encouragement, and sharing what I learn along the way.
Tomorrow I’ll share the rest of my Polymer Clay journey and share two photos of my fulfillment of the promise to give what I made away.