Artist, Entrepreneur and Mother of Two - Alana Clumeck Photo by Brittany Taylor Photography www.brittanytaylorphoto.com
Business of the Month: Alana Clumeck
Inspired by our recent trip to the Santa Ynez Valley we have a new Business of the Month! We were honored to interview our favorite artist a Mother of 2 and entrepreneur: Alana Clumeck. Her story is truly inspirational and her art is one of a kind. The minute you see her work you will always know when you see an Alana Clumeck.
How long have you been painting?
Write here…
I began painting 4 years ago when pregnant with my second child. I never expected ‘artist’ to be my career path, yet I look back at the past 4 years and I pinch myself at how life has unfolded. While pregnant with my son, River, I suffered from antenatal depression. From somewhere deep within I had an overbearing desire to be creative. So I purchased some art supplies, and once I started, I couldn’t stop. It became my therapy, time stood still, and I’d lose myself in my paintings for hours on end. Once River arrived, painting took on a different therapeutic role as my ‘mommy time’ away from the busy life of raising 2 young children.
Your paintings are all so full of life and color, where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration definitely comes from things of "God made" beauty. I know that is broad, however when I look at nature, landscapes, animals, even humans... I am usually planning (in my head) how I can portray that beautiful thing in a delicate way on the canvas.
What medium or mediums do you use? What would you consider your style of painting?
Typically I paint acrylic on canvas, I enjoy the way the paint mixes easily on the canvas and it is quick to dry. I also like to dabble in oil and water color. Since I am completely self taught I am always looking for other mediums to try and master. I would say my style of painting is contemporary realism... I like to paint my subjects to look realistic but include some sort of twist to the painting.
Brittany Taylor Photography www.brittanytaylorphoto.com
What is your creative process like?
Most of the time an idea might pop into my head and I will put it into the queue with my other ideas until i find the time to get to it. I work from photographs, so, while I am preparing to "birth" my idea, I am usually snapping photographs and collecting a pile of images to use as reference for my paintings. I have come to realize (after many failed paintings) that every good painting must begin with a good plan. Once I have planned out my idea and drawn out the painting on the canvas I start to paint it... I rarely deviate from the idea that I had concocted in my head.
Do you paint in a studio or outdoor more often?
Since I am "mom" first, and then artist, I usually paint from my home studio so I can keep an eye of the kids as they play. This can be challenging at times to keep my creative tangent focused on my painting. However, I feel wonderfully blessed that I am able to work from home whilst juggling motherhood. On the rare occasion, (usually when the kids are at school) I am able to paint en plein air, and I find that to be a real refreshing treat!
What are your favorite subjects to paint?
Its so hard to pin point my favorite subject, as there is a certain amount of satisfaction gained from painting all subjects. That being said I am really enjoying my wallpaper series that I am currently working on. This is a mash-up of masculine meets feminine ( see my painting "wonder" as an example), this way I can pick all my favorite subjects and put them into one painting.
Artist, Entrepreneur and Mother of Two - Alana Clumeck Photo by Brittany Taylor Photography www.brittanytaylorphoto.com
Living in the Santa Ynez valley, do you pull inspiration from your surroundings?
Yes, absolutely. I definitely draw inspiration from my country roots and the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Having grown up in rural Western Australia, wildlife, nature and the outdoors bring a certain amount of nostalgia to me. I love the simple beauty of what God has created and I try to portray it in colorful and vibrant ways, and there is no shortage of that type inspiration in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Do you do custom paintings?
I do! I really enjoy working with my clients to see their vision realized on the canvas. I currently have a 6 deep waiting list, so if you have something in mind, don't wait to get your name on the list.
What do you love most about what you do?
I grew up in an artist family; my parents owned a pottery for 20 years, which was attached to our house, so there was never a moment in my childhood where they weren’t throwing pots, decorating, or working on other artistic ventures. My mother also painted beautiful, vibrant, and abstract oil paintings. I have memories of her being lost in her paintings for days on end, and now I can relate! I was born to be a maker / creator, and what I love most about being an artist is living out a career that I was born to do. I feel extremely blessed! And... I am not going to lie, my kids talk A LOT, painting allows my brain to be quiet for hours on end, which gives this momma the mental downtime that I need!
To see more of Alana's work or purchase or request your own (recommended!) go to:
instagram / facebook : @alanaclumeckart
email: info@alanaclumeck.com
Photo credit: Brittany Taylor Photography www.brittanytaylorphoto.com