We recently connected with Valerie Fair and have shared our conversation below.
Valerie, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
I grew up during a time when the larger society did not respect nor see people that looked like me as important contributors to society. However, I was raised in an environment where differences were never discussed. So, my self-worth was nurtured and my art was appreciated. Later in life, when I became aware of the haters, it was important for me to ignore those who did see me and also to use their hate as fuel to be a successful artist. I know there are people out there who continue to see me differently, my response is understandingly sympathetic. I just chalk it up to a lack of knowledge on their part.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have been an artist for more than sixty years. I started in elementary school and have been doing the work of an artist in various forms since. As a mother of four it became difficult to persue my artistry full time but in small ways I continued even if decorating a window, combing and braiding hair, or making clothing for my children. I was determined to be an artist and when my youngest child headed off too school, I headed back to college. I became an official artist when I graduated with a BFA from college. I used installations, sculpture and painting to express those things which fueled my art. When I moved from a state that had snow and dark skies to a sunnier state, that environment, transformed my art from muted dark colors to brighter colors. My focus has always been to bring my view of the world to my art and hope that others will come along for the ride. I have used all of my energy to create beautiful works of art that has substance and perhaps inform the viewer of something they had not thought of before. As far as the magazine, I was compelled by a now deceased mentor, Samella Lewis. Because of her example, it became important for me to create a magazine that highlighted artists that the general public did not know or see. I worked for several years at the online magazine and my art became a casualty. I was constantly thinking of ways to do both, but in the end I gave up the magazine. I wanted to continue being excellent at my art. My creativity was constantly being challenged by the magazine and now I am able to put my creative impulse into my art.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Mentors who saw my potential and pointed me in the direction I wanted to go were essential. Dr. Cledie Taylor & Shirley Woodson, and others were so important as mentors. Having others to talk about your art in a critical way is good for you and your work. However, I must say that you are ultimately in charge of what you put out for public consumption. So I embraced the strengths of my artistic vision and educated myself on the importance of my skills. Research, research, rearch became a large part of my art. Doubt comes with the territory of being a artist but never give in to the doubt. It can be as present as breathing. It is also necessary to hone your skills whether self taught or educated through a university. Creativity plus skill, plus work and more work is critical. So the three qualities I would suggest that others cultivate is 1. Cultivate mentors and never be afraid of constructive criticism, 2. Hold on to your vision of what you think your work is about, knowing that it may change over the years, 3. Work, work, work. the more you work the more you can work. The work will lead you into unexplored directions that you cannot anticipate.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I challenged myself to learn a new skill every ten years. Within the ten year frame I was able to perfect each skills and incorporate this expertise into my art which made me well rounded and appreciative of all art forms. For example, I am a painter but I was able to incorporate the knowledge I gained as a ceramicist, seamstress, crocheter, beader, writer, as well as soft sculpture into my art. My latest work includes some of the skills gained in these areas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valeriefairarts.com/?fbclid=IwAR20MKGqxJoVtsTdusiM6LtJ0A0QyHqtw31Soz2DtnC2nR528K4BdZPiGuY
- Other: https://www.artistonthecuttingedgee-magazine.com/
Image Credits
Roshan Spottsville is the photographer that is credited with taking the images of the artist. Linda Addison took the image of the Egungun figure and the artists took the remainder of the images.
