Meet Norlynne Coar

We recently connected with Norlynne Coar and have shared our conversation below.

Norlynne, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

My favorite way to keep my creativity alive is to travel. For me, it’s always good to shake up my vision, to look at things from different perspectives and see things in a new light, and to revisit places I love.

New environments, new shapes, new colors and new energy breathe life into me, and I stumble upon things that pique my curiosity or captivate me for whatever reason. There are also certain periods in history and cultures I’ve studied that resonate with me and inspire my imagination. I go to ancient sites that impart a different world view and museums to see the work of artists I love and of artists new to me. It’s like my head and heart are a big gunny sack that fills up with a bunch of stuff — images, colors, movement, concept — that bringsg something new to my work.

But, most importantly, I have to keep working. I have to go to the edge of destroying paintings in order to bring it back. So, the inspiration comes from being in studio, working and being available to inspiration when it comes, or to keep working until we meet somewhere in the work.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My work is derives from either an inherent story or a concept that is inspired by nature, space or experience. It is most exciting for me when I can begin with one medium, look at it from different perspectives and further develop it in other mediums. For instance, I start with a series of photographs, create paintings inspired by the photographs and then sculptures.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities that have been most impactful for me have been curiosity, defiance and the willingness to take risks. I would suggest learning the basic skills and rules, practice and don’t over think things; just do. Perfection is overrated, and the important thing is to jump in and go for it.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

Joseph Campbell’s HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES had a profound effect on my outlook and approach to life.

The hero is confronted with challenges, descends to the depth, faces the challenges, conquers his fears and emerges changed from the experience. It is absolutely necessary to be faced with seemingly impossible challenges and events in life (and art).

Only by facing the formidable challenges and risking failure do we grow and become our better selves (or create a piece of art).

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Norlynne Coar

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