Painter and Photographer

"The complete silence except for the tinkling of the brush in the water jar and the brush strokes of painting being applied to canvas fills my soul". 

Art is my secret 'good life' remedy and I am addicted. It fills me with euphoria and I have no control. Lucky for me, I found this secret out at a young age of 26. Painting is simply hard work, I roll my sleeves up and get on with it. The more energy and dedication I invest, the more being an artist becomes exciting and fun.

Because I work in my subconscious mind while painting, my paintings contain spiritual elements and uplifting qualities from the intense vibration that bring out emotion and sensation through colour. I love how colour vibrates through light, and can change the mood in a person instantly. I am all for emotional well being and a good quality of life for everyone, and that is why I paint - to bring happiness and love into people's homes - I love people! 

My love of people and the strong need to inspire other artists lead me to develop Paintpit.com. The Paint Pit website explores diverse and contemporary art. Each individual artist contribution is amazing, and the sharing of their own vision inspires passion in other artists. The website has exceeded my expectations, and I enjoy building these special relationships.

To view a selection of my work Click here  

Website: denitatizard.com  
Follow Denita on Facebook: facebook.com/denitatizard

A few Questions...   

What factors in your life do you believe played a significant part in you becoming an artist? 
I was lucky to have been born into a creative family on both sides. Aunty June's house was the coolest place to hang out! Her dining room table would always be full of paper, pencils, pens, felts, and she would say 'Come on guys….use your imagination, draw what you feel.' I thank her for giving me the license to be free with my imagination.   
I loved art at school, but I was a bit of a chatter box and didn't always do what the teacher told me, so in 6th form I found myself being kicked out of that class. I was really bummed and didn't really pick up a paint brush until 10 years later, my passion got the better of me, I couldn't help myself. I painted for a hobby and then 2 years later I took the plunge to paint full-time, it was scary! I moved out of Auckland to Rotorua and went on the PACE program, a benefit to help artists stay on their feet while being creative. The money was 1/5 of what I was used to getting, so life changing BIG TIME! The day I drove over the hill with all my gear, and saw the Rotorua Lake was the day I knew I was an artist and there was no turning back.
 
What process do you tend to follow when creating a new piece of art?
I'm an artist that prefers to let the flow go, baby! I really don't like to restrict myself by going step-by-step through a plan, and it probably has something to do with my personality. The best days are the ones not planned! In saying that though I do love my visual diary, and I am always writing my ideas and drawing. There is nothing like a good brain dump to clear the mind.     

Where do you seek inspiration for your art, what inspires you? 
Everywhere and everything inspires me, I believed that variety is the spice of life. I like so many different artists but Picasso might just be my favourite. Everything I have read or watch about Picasso is so delightful! He had a great life, freedom, friends, food, sex and booze.

What more could an artist need?  
I do love the beach, it is so refreshing, the Pacific Islands are heaven! I hope we will live there for a while, so I can get involved with their culture and environment, while soaking up all the beautiful colours and warmth.

What is your favourite colour and why? 
RED….who doesn't love red? It is sexy, energetic, loving, passionate, desirable, fiery, hot (the warmest colour of all), lusty, and dangerous. Red is the color of blood, and has a strong symbolism for life and vitality. Did you know Red is Tuesday's color? Check out my blog post if you curious: denitatizard.blogspot.com

What is your favourite creative tool? 
My camera is the most used creative tool in my house. I have been taking a photo everyday and posting them to denitamad.wordpress.com and I love my computer! I spend way too much time on there, the RSI in my wrist is proof of that! My computer is so full of all stuff, it scares me how much time it would take to sort it all out! Thank God I married Shaughan, a computer geek, he teaches me many fascinating things. 

What are the ten most interesting things you have done or that have happened to you that have contributed to your art career?
1. Opening the Paint Pit studio was one of the best experiences. Having created a space where loads of people came to get creative was awesome!
2. Opening the Quayhole Gallery. It was a natural progression from the studio we needed a space to exhibit all the work we where creating in the studio. I had many different experiences in that building, and got to meet and inspire lots of neat people!
3. Getting an agent in the UK. What a lovely experience to have someone do all the hard work for you. She is an angel who gives me the time to be creative.
4.Running the Paint Pit website. There are over 50 artists that display their work on the website, I have meet artists from all over the world and we all share our passion and love of the arts with each other. 
5. Winning a merit award in 2004 for my painting 'Waiting Room'. 
6. Being a finalist out of over 3000 entries, for the Nescafe cup design was a great feeling! 
7. Going to the Pacific Island on a 10 day cruise changed my life. A couple in my studio who had lived in the Islands said I had truly captured the Island life with my paintings. That made me feel very happy!
8. I went on a creative challenge at the UCOL for 6 weeks and had such a great time, mingling with the group and getting lots of education from the tutors from so many different art mediums. 
9. Having had lots of media coverage from the local newspapers, national magazines and TV, I feel very privileged.
10. Holding kids holiday workshops. I love working with kids, it fills my soul to share my love of the art with minds that are so delicate and need nurturing. ART EDUCATION is IMPORTANT!  

What would others say are your five personality pluses? 
Honesty, humor, positive, confidence, and adventurous! 

What do you love about being an artist? 
FREEDOM…I love getting up in the morning and doing what best fits the mood of the day. I have EXCITEMENT…with so many different avenues, twists and turns in which you can travel all in one day.  

What exhibitions are you most proud of? 
Pacific Sky was my favourite exhibition. It was a subject matter that I hold dear to my heart, plus I had 2 cool Pacific Island artists to exhibit with - Bobby and Stefano. Stefano came and stayed for a week and we painted like crazy! It was a fun, when ever there is fun in the mix of things, how can it go wrong? The patrons enjoyed the works and they all got into the spirit of the pacific at the opening by sipping back cocktails and listening to music by the Tropical Delights. The exhibition was held it in the middle of winter to bring sunshine and warmth into the hearts of all the people that visited the gallery.