Hello, Alamo!
At the Abstract Art Show reception last month, I had the pleasure of talking to a few of the artists about their work. Colette Shelley is a recent retiree who just freed up the time to start painting. I find a newer artist with the opportunity to show off her work to be particularly interesting. Enjoy our interview!
1. You mentioned that you retired to Alamogordo and started creating artwork. What was your job title before? Where?
Dental Financial/Appointment Manager- DFW area
Medical Billing Company owner- DFW area
Esthetician/Tattoo artist-DFW area and currently in Alamogordo
2. Have you always been drawn to art and self-expression?
Yes! My form of art has been Bellydancing since 1976. My painting artwork started July 2024 (but I did 1 painting 50 years ago)
3. Describe your journey into tapping into your creativity.
I’ve always loved projects and involving others. I drew things while in elementary school of my thoughts or interests, then proceeded with music/choir, then playing trumpet in marching band. Then, while belly dancing, I taught myself finger cymbals, drum, and (I’ve been) teaching belly dancing since I couldn’t find any teachers to match my skills. Tattooing started 20 yrs ago and I am creative in my designs! Then jumping to 2020 when retiring, found out the teacher for belly dancing at the senior center did not want to return after covid shutdown. I volunteered to teach! Then taking classes for drums, ukulele, and recorder has been fun! 1 year ago I got inspired to start painting and have not stopped …creating over 100 artworks within this 1 year’s time!
4. Was this September abstract show the first time you’ve submitted artwork?
No, I presented my artwork in May for the Veterans Show/as U.S. Army Air traffic controller. Then in July, then September for abstract, and now October for Otero Arts members.
5. Is there any fellow artist or anything (like nature or patterns) that captures you/inspires your artwork?
I enjoy abstract work…Picasso cubism and also realism, Gustav Klimtz designs (The Kiss is so emotional in love)
6. Is it meaningful to you to be able to share this new passion of yours with the community?
Yes! I love that my artwork makes people smile, or even calms them. I love to draw the viewer’s in to view each part in detail.
7. In your own words, why is it important for us to have avenues to express ourselves to each other?
I do keep much of my thoughts to myself, but when I paint, dance, play musical instruments, I express my thoughts and feelings for others to see and feel!
I’ve been working on a bit of a lofty project for a few weeks, so that’s why you didn’t get a post last week. We will see what happens next! Haha.
Salud!
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