Featured Artist: Linda Williams, LindaButterfly and LindaCaterpillar

Tell us about yourself: I cannot be 58 years old, yet my birth certificate says this is so. I must surely be only 26, yet my son is 35. I have Depression. Depression is not widely understood but it can have psychologically positive meanings for an individual. In the journey of this illness, leaving my safe cocoon was not easy. Butterflies have to struggle to leave their cocoon. I struggled, I became a butterfly. First writing, then art, helped that struggle to be meaningful. I have discovered the freedom of artistic expression.

I love painting with acrylics, taking photographs, painting with watercolors, drawing with pencil & pastels and creating greetings cards based on my art. I have multiple interests including walking in the countryside, working out at the gym, reading, photography, History and travel. I loved motherhood; some of the best times of my life. My son Peter is a published author and I love him to pieces.

How did you get started creating your artwork? Creating Art helped to express my personal struggles and my delight with the world. I am independent. When I was 4, a teacher wanted to look at some work I was coloring. I knew she wanted to interfere so I sat on my drawing and refused to let her see it. Once she had gone, I continued. My art is my art, whether or not someone else engages with it.

Where does your inspiration come from? The fact that I exist and, despite Depression, feel much joy, means I store multiple situations and experiences in my mind. I was diagnosed many years ago with an eye condition which meant I was going to loose my sight. Strangely, instead of feeling downcast, I realised I would be able to feel texture once I lost my sight. I would still have pleasure in the world. So, while I could still see, I revelled in color. Both texture and color became brilliantly importantfor me. I was overjoyed when further tests last year showed the condition had been wrongly diagnosed; I am not going to loose my sight. But my joy in color and texture has not waned.
I live life, and ideas come to me. I dream, and ideas emerge from my dreams to become paintings. I am inspired by something; maybe a week long visit to a country, or an hour long TV program. The whole life I lead feeds into expressing myself as an artist.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Who knows? Maybe I’ll be dead! I have no idea. When one is only 26, as at any age, one has to be ready for any eventuality. I don’t plan ahead in that way, my life is not my own, in the spiritual sense.

Where do you sell your work?
Online at my two Etsy shops, LindaButterfly and Linda Caterpillar and hopefully at my Artfire shop.

Who is your favorite artist? I don’t have a favorite. I enjoy most art from most artists; I have an eclectic taste. Cubism has important things to say, as do the Scottish colorists and the pre Raphaelites.

What is your favorite song and by whom? Again, I don’t have favorites. There are so many situations and circumstances in life that one song or piece of music would never cover them all. Bruch’s work won’t do when the Pearl Fishers’ duet is needed.  I started learning to play Piano a few years ago and have taken several practical piano exams. I have an eclectic taste in music but probably enjoy jazz the most.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, with your family, what 5 things would you want to have with you? Memories of a wonderful and happy life away from the island.  Memories of a good friend.  Photos from 1970 to the present day, missing out some which hold dreadful memories.  Peanut Butter.  Toilet paper!

Why do you think people should buy handmade? I would not tell people they should do anything, but would explain they could investigate the handmade market. I would explain that all kinds of artisans display many amazing skills and spend time making fantastic items. So handmade is going to cost more; it is not a cheap alternative to shop bought. I would say, “Open your eyes to the reality of excellent handmade items, support and work with artisans, and find joy in that discovery.”