Hi Guys! Welcome to a series we run on the blog called: Tea & Cake with Gracie :) My awesome friend and colleague Gracie Howle interviews inspiring artists and posts the interviews (including some free offers not published elsewhere before) here on the blog every 2 months or so. I love to create art and bring amazing artists & people together in my classes, in person and on social media. As part of this drive, I want to help bring more exposure to some of the amazing artists out there! Today Gracie’s interviewing Violette Clark. Make sure you check out Violette’s giveaway, free video tutorial and gift for you below! Tam xoxo
If you love Artist Interviews make sure you read the previous Tea and Cake with Gracie ones – click on artist’s name to go to their interview: Melissa Dinwiddie / Tascha Parkinson / Susana Tavares / Lynn Whipple / Karine Bossé / Jenny Grant / France Papillon / Jenny Wentworth / Kristin Dudish / Rachael Rice / Angela Kennedy (Pennystamper) / Andrea Gomoll
Hello! Gracie here :) I hope your February was AWESOME! Spring is starting to show here in the South of England, little bulbs are starting to peep up in the grass and I’m keeping my eye out for the first daffodil, that always says to me ‘winter is over’! :) Take some time now with your feet up, grab your tea / coffee / kombucha / drink of choice :) …and read about Violette Clark in the interview below. Enjoy! :)
1. Welcome Violette! Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
My name is Violette Clark – I live in gorgeous Sechelt, B.C. Canada right near the water and mountains. It’s such a quiet peaceful spot that I am forever grateful for. I was born in Casablanca Morocco but have lived in Canada most of my life. Perhaps that’s where I got my love of colour, pattern and glitter! I’m inspired by the scenery, the peace, forests and ocean here. I’m a Mom of 2 and grandmother of 3 lovely boys who call me meme! One thing I would love to share is how much art saves lives. It has saved my life – In particular art journaling. Art journaling is something I stumbled upon many years ago and when I found out how it could elevate my spirit and make me happy I became an art journal evangelist! I shared everything I knew on my blog and through various online platforms as well as through online classes such as life book and 21 Secrets. It was such a blessing to witness how art journaling transformed many other lives as well. Soon I will be teaching a couple of live art journaling workshops in my community.
Violette’s giving away 2 of her “Love who you are” dog tag necklaces, 5 postcards and 3 bookmarks to one lucky reader! :D
*GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED * GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED:
Thank you to everyone for joining in the giveaway and for your comments! The randomly drawn winner is:
Christina Condy
who said:
Congratulations Christina! :)
Violette’s created this, brand new and just for us, art video: ‘Fun with Caricatures’:
(Click the ‘play button’ to watch this video or click on the review link here: Review Link)
Violette’s offering all you lovely readers the gorgeous print below too :) (Pls note this print is to use and share for personal use only and, if you’re reposting online or on social media, we’d appreciate it if you include a reference link to Violette’s site: www.violette.ca. Thanks for understanding!)
Download the high res version by right-clicking on the image above and choose ‘save target as’ / ‘download linked file as’ or download from this link: BelievePrintVioletteClark.JPG
Learn more about Violette by reading the following interview:
2. When you taught on Life Book 2015 you gave us a tour of your ‘Magic Cottage‘ where you used to create and make your art. You say ‘wherever you live it should be an expression of who you are’. You’ve recently moved, can you tell us a bit about how you are making your new home into a creative space and expression of who you are?
Yes – to me art is not just about creating small art pieces – it’s about the way you live your life, how you decorate your home and yard and how you dress. We moved from the Magic Cottage 6 months ago and bought a home in a quiet seaside village in a fairly conservative neighbourhood. Very slowly I am beginning to transform my home into a place which reflects who I am. The yard has my garden art in it, silverware chandelier and lately a big wooden heart with the words “You are loved” painted on it to greet passerbys with a sweet message. Soon there will be a Peace pole with our address and other whimsical embellishments in the front yard. My home is filledwith my art, two of my painted doors and 100’s and 100’s of beloved books. So it totally does express who I am but maybe in a bit subtler way. I am 62 years old and as I age I am seeking more peace and not as much crazy colour everywhere – although I still do have my colourful art around. I am focusing more on how to combine my spirituality and art and how to share that with the world.
3. You released the book: ‘Journal Bliss: Creative Prompts to Unleash Your Inner Eccentric‘. Can you tell us a a bit about that? Will you be releasing anymore books in the future?
As I mentioned above when I discovered art journaling many years ago I became a fanatic and wanted to share it with as many people as I could – I shared it on my blog, with my newsletter subscribers, through e-magazines, real life magazines, other peoples books and eventually my own book – Journal Bliss. My book was all about how to art journal and the joys of doing so. It was one of the earliest Art Journaling books. I am very proud of it. Today you can find many others on the topic. I don’t have any plans to release anymore books in the future – however I never say never! If I could team up with someone on the same wavelength that would be great. it would have to be a book which encompasses spirituality and art.
4. If you had to choose three art supplies, what three would you choose and why?
The three art supplies I would choose are: Micron pens (I adore them!), watercolour pencil crayons or plain pencil crayons, watercolours or twinkling H2O’s. I don’t feel you need very many art supplies to create. I find it overwhelming how many art supplies there are these days, more and more are being released every day. Since I have moved to a smaller place I have challenged myself to make do with what I have since I have little storage in my new home. These three supplies do not take up too much space thankfully. I do also use acrylic paints and washi tape, and some felt pens like tombow markers. But seriously if you are a beginning art journaler don’t go out and spend a fortune – start with a few supplies and see what fits with what you are creating. Challenge yourself to create with only a few different supplies. The three supplies I have listed are the ones I return to again and again.
5. What’s your ‘go to’ when your creative mojo needs a boost?
When my creative mojo needs a boost I usually change things up and go for a walk in my quiet neighbourhood or go visit my God Rock which is a rock I love to stand on by the ocean – it’s only a 5 minute drive away. Being in nature rejuvenates my spirit and helps me get in touch with that which is truly important in my life. I also love to simply sit with a journal and a pencil and begin to randomly draw something – anything. Often that’s when magic happens. That which is unexpressed or wants to come out (unbeknownst to my conscious mind) spills onto the page! It’s awesome!
Find more about Violette Clark by clicking on the links below:
Website: www.violette.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/violetteclark
Facebook: facebook.com/violetteclark
Pinterest: pinterest.com/violettec
Live workshop in March at the Oracle Store: theoracle.ca/classes
Hi violette!
I love your work! You were one of my first teachers on lifebook and really showed me “possibilities” I didn’t know existed. Thank you for that! ❤️
I love that you can let yourself go and have fun with your drawings…the imperfections, the flaws…warts and all…it seems so freeing, yet your drawings are wonderful and have their own kind of beauty! Thank you for sharing….
Hi Violette
I have your Journal Bliss book – for me it’s full of inspiration and I love it very much
Im planning on using it to help my two young children to express themselves.
Thank you for your work and being you ?
Lovely interview! Thank you!
Hi Violette! I loved your book on Journal Bliss and also find art journaling a spiritual activity. Thank you for the free art page and interview.
Love your colorful art and especially charmed by your garden art. I make garden art as well. Your dog tag necklaces are so sweet and I would be honored to win one!
Thank you so much for the print and the video! They are great!!
This is my first exposure to you and I love what you do and what you are putting out into the world!
I loved your interview and. your work! Would also love to win one of your dog tag necklaces too!
Thanks for sharing!!
Great interview, thanks. Hope your new home continues to reflect your beautiful self.
Love these interviews! Such fun learning more about artists! Thankyou!
Violette, I loved seeing your work and learning more about you. Your art is so fun and uplifting! I hope you track another lesson in Life Book 2017! Thank you for the free art page and offering your giveaways!
Great Face Vi!
I think you are a super cool lady =) thank you for the video and giveaway =)
love your art from one Canadian Artist to another. :} Shannon aka Art Junkie
My first venture into art journaling was inspired by Violette. I was very focused and actually really liked the work I did! Time to go back and revisit her book! Happiness is the common factor in all of her work!
Beautiful interview! I love Violette’s book, and she has been a great inspiration to me for many years. Thank you, Violette! You add so much color and joy to the world!
I love your work Violette! Thanks for the video.
Great interview Gracie and violette, thank you
I fell in love with your colorful ways in Lifebook .
Love your joyful work and your book “Journal Bliss” which was a present from a very good arty friend.xxx
HI Violette, I’ve been following you forever, took your class in LifeBook 2015! I was sad when you moved and left your cottage behind, but glad to see you are starting over – it is so much fun to use art to decorate. I’m sure your neighbors are enjoying it! Thanks for the goodies and the video. Hugs, Carmen
I like Violette’s bright and cheerful style. Thank you.
Oh my gosh I love everything on this page, I am so happy I found Willowing!
Violette, you lead such a wonderful charmed life. You brighten my day!
Love the light carefree art.Great interview. Thank you for sharing with us.
I enjoyed this interview, and thank you for sharing the great video and the image Violette. I love your quirky style in this video =).
I loved your book, Violette, and enjoyed the interview. I am glad you love your new home, but I am sure it was sad to leave the magic cottage too. All the best!
Violette, I throughly enjoyed the interview with Gracie❤… it’s always an inspiration to me to discover other artists close to my age! I am just an amateur artist, but have been doing something creative all my life! You remember when a loooong time ago they advertised , ” if you can draw this little picture” then you qualify to go to some art school! Through the mail! Haha! Well, that’s about how my art education began. That and art classes at school! Way too behind studying and taking workshops on-line now!!!Makes me laugh to think about when that was!??? of course my Mother thought I was so talented. Not sure but I do know how much my love of painting was and my admiration of beautiful things! I still feel that I look at nature, buildings, other paintings, etc. way different than a lot of other people!
I realize that my love of God’s beauty is such a precious gift and therefore it should not be taken for granted, nor ignored! I have been retired from a career in nursing, where I took care of another gift from God! I took vigilant care of His precious little babies who arrived way too early or were ill at birth! Their parents entrusted myself and my teammates with their delicate, fragile little lives. Some barely hanging on by sheer will, our care, and laying all the time in the protective hands of our Lord!
Anyway, I got off on another part of my life, that I hold dear to my heart!
Again, I throughly enjoyed the whimsical beauty in your art❤ It put a smile on my face, as Tam’s also does!
Happy painting and gifting others with many more SMILES!!! Sandra Powers
Gorgeous art Violette, please enter me in your giveaway :-)
I so enjoy these interviews. FIlled with inspiration! THanks for sharing and the chance to win!
I love seeing Violette’s artwork and enjoyed the interview very much. I follow her on Facebook and I always come away feeling better. She is such a positive person. I loved how you said you can be overwhelmed by all the art supplies available. I am trying to reorganize my art space so I can have a more peaceful place to work and create.
Thank you for sharing all your thoughts.
Love your book Violet, it was the first art journal book I ever owned. Love the picture of your space shown here, so inspiring.
Wow bazinga! Love this colorful art. Makes me happy just looking at it! Thanks for sharing❤️??
Thank you Violette for your video and print. I am only just about to start on art journaling, and picked up a copy of your book to get me started. Looking forward to trying it out.
Hi Violette….I am an early fan of yours and share your passion for art journaling. I have your book, Journal Bliss and have shared it with many like minded friends. I particularly like how you often use the black and white checkerboard pattern in your works!
Thanks for your print ! I’ll be putting it up in my new art room!! And thanks also for the helpful video! It’s always interesting when someone works so differently. Love your humour too !!! Xxx
So happy to see beautiful Violette being featured in Tea + Cake with Gracie! She’s been one of my favourite artists (a truly beautiful, big-hearted lady) since meeting her via Marney Makridakis’ book launch ‘Creating Time’ which I worked on … travelling in India at the moment, but have brought along my NeoColor II wax pastels so looking forward to watching Violette’s video-gifty when its too hot to be out and about. Thank you so much for sharing xx
Hi Violette! What an interesting video. I adore your dog tags! I am in Victoria, I’m wondering if you teach classes in the area at all?
Thank you for you interesting interview and sharing some of your beautiful art with us. Also, thank you for sharing photos of your new home and how you are decorating it to reflect yourself. Wishing you many years of happiness in your new home.
Violette, thank you for your inspiration. I’m going to be ordering your book today! You live in beautiful Sechelt (ahhh!) and i was very interested to read about how you transform your place into your own expression of yourself–such a joy to read. Looking forward to watching your video. Thanks for sharing so generously. <3
I absolutely love your art. I first came across you on Lifebook a couple of years ago. You make me smile and for that I am very grateful. Thank you.
Oh how I would luv to visit your place.. So much color and light, me wuv it… Thank you for the great interview, free pic download and video so much fun <3
Love all the pretty colors in ur art
If it’s a gloomy day or I am just in a bit of a funk, all I have to do is look at your artwork and it puts a smile on my face. So uplifting and fun!!
Love, love, love your art. Thanks for sharing with us!
Violette, I have been a fan of yours since way back when I first started blogging (jkbees)…somehow I lost track of you so I’m happy to see this interview. Your art is always inspiring for me. You and your book were some of the first ways I got into art journaling. Thank you for making a huge change in my life!!
Violette, I’ve been a huge fan of yours forever. I have always loved your illustrations and art journal pages. Thank you for providing so much inspiration
love your art work. I’m in a FUNK so this could just get me going.
Hi Violette, first let me tell you that you have a BEAUTIFUL smile! :) You live in a wonderful country full of live, nature, and yes, color. I have just recently gotten into journaling, but am still a little scared and unsure of myself in that area, but am determined to conquer. I find my art to be very peaceful and relaxing so I get up to the craft room as often as I can. Thank you for sharing.
Violette, your art is very uplifting and I appreciate your willingness to share. Nature truly feeds the spirit of creativity. TFS!
Hi Violette I enjoyed the interview its great to get to know you a bit better! Thank you for sharing the video with us love your work!!
Hi Violetta .. loved your interview. Am wondering if you’re Bliss of Journaling bin is still availabe? I’d be interested in checking it out. I’ve tried to normal but am struggling to get into it and is like to create more at on a regular basis. Working full time and looking after family tends to limit the free time I have for myself. Thank you.
Hi! Violette. I love your art work, your drawings are amazing, i also love that your characters have very mature faces. The colours are so bright and fun. I am now looking forward to following your site for lots of inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
thank you, thank you, thank you Gracie & Violette! I so want to draw caricatures and you do it flawlessly Violette. I’m going to order me some micron pens and get to work, I will probably have to watch this video again and again…happy!! I really needed this tea & cake interview break today. God Bless
Violette, you instantly became one of my favorite spirits, artists and instructor with your LB2015 tour through your magical cottage! I, too, believe that my home, gardens, studio and space around me is my place to create art and I love my little corner of the world!
Hi Violette, Enjoyed the interview. Love your art work. Thank you for the video. Love your cute caricatures.
Hi, I am a fan! Congrats on the move. Excited to see how you transform it into YOUR house :) I loved your other home, with all the beautiful bold colors.
Love your work!
it is a pleasure to meet a fellow Canadian and to enjoy your art so much. what a treat! I look forward to learning more from you in the future.
Thank you so much for the chance to win. I adore your work. I look forward to learning more from you in the future.
@Christina Condy you won the giveaway – YAYYYYY! Congratulations! :D I’ll let Violette know your email address and I’m sure she’ll be in contact soon. Enjoy and thank you for taking part! <3
Hello Violette. I love this type of sharing. Thank you!
I really enjoyed this interview! I loved Violette’s 2015 LB lesson and her humorous and positive art work.
Hello dear Violette! I loved the tea time interview. Mostly because it gave me lots more insight into your recent move & sensing your new “phase”. As we’re settling into our new house & bamboo garden, I too am discovering a need to be more subtle & spiritually driven. I so adore the grace & ease with which you are transitioning. Thank you for putting yourself out there. Your work is absolutely a perfect mix of life’s emotions topped with whimsy. I truly love it! And am so glad to hear you are journaling to your heart’s content! Blessings! Xoxo
Thank you for the fun lesson!
Hello , thankyou for the wonderful interview and showing us your work and private space at home ..i discovered art journaling in the last year and really love it ..i attend a scrapbook shop that has 3 classes a month on it and have learnt so much …all the best ,take care
I love your fun style! I would love my new house to be more like yours (although having a husband whose style is much more traditional makes this challenging!). I need to do more in my craft room first!
Can’t resist this opportunity to maybe win and own some fabulous art, thank you ?
Lovely interview. I would love a chance to win :)
Hi Violette, I love your caricature with it’s big head and tiny body lol. Thank you for the chance to win xx
love the chance to win your colourful goodies!!