Linda Colletta
Where are you from and where do you reside?
I grew up in a tiny town in upstate NY, moved to NYC when I was 18 and in true NYC fashion, I moved to a new neighborhood every year for the next 16 years! I moved to Weston, CT about 8 years ago, back to a very quiet country setting.
What is your “motto” or quote?
My mom told me as a little girl, “There are no mistakes in Art”. I think, unbeknownst to me, this became my mantra for believing in myself and believing that every mark I make is valid and meaningful.
How do your surroundings direct your approach to work? Do you find that environment directly relates to the structure of your painting?
My paintings are impacted by everything around me, its the beauty of being an abstract expressionist, right? Many people who don’t fully understand abstract art think I’m just scribbling on a canvas, but whats really happening is a physical, emotional and spiritual reaction to my current environment. The seasons affect my palette, physical space often shifts my choice of medium, who I am painting for changes the mood of a piece, and my mood affects everything!
My work, my painting, must be spontaneous. It must feel sudden and impromptu in order for me to actually enjoy the work and (in my opinion) for the best work to come through.
Linda Colletta
Where do you find your day-to-day inspiration?
I am Instagram OBSESSED! I have found and follow so many amazing artists, photographers, designers and makers on instagram, it is truly the art community I have been looking for all my life. So much of what they do, say and post inspires me in many ways, not only to make art, but to put myself out there, to trust myself, grow my business and make a great living from my art -- something I was told was not possible as a young artist, I now know is totally possible and I see it happening for me and many others every day.
What is the most difficult part of the artistic process for you?
Painting when I don’t want to paint. It’s not a block, because I’m full of ideas-- it’s more of a fight. When a piece isn’t going so well, it feels like I’m in a fight with my best friend, I feel annoyed and disappointed, and I kind of hold a grudge against the piece that isn’t cooperating and just won’t paint again in protest. It’s really kind of silly. And the only thing that cures it, is painting anyway. So, I do, and it feels awkward and forced, but eventually me and the piece make up and I’m back at it again.
