10 Things Interview with Margaret Zox Brown

Margaret Zox Brown is next up in our 10 Things Interview Series. Margaret's colorful, abstract works can be viewed at Fresca Gallery here. Once again, questions are primarily submitted by Fresca Gallery patrons, employees and artists (although we recycle a few that we love).

Q1: What's your biggest source of inspiration?
Margaret Zox Brown: All my paintings come from my own drawings. I never know what I will look at and then see that will inspire me to draw. It could be a shape or a line or even a mood. Graceful curves, sensitive moments and unique shapes seem to catch my eye and result in my strongest drawings. And, it is the strongest drawings that inspire a subsequent painting.

Q2: What are 3 things you can't live without?
MZB: My children, exercise and nature.

Q3: Besides being an artist, what is your number one skill?
MZB: I am a pretty good cook. I cook like I paint; creating as I go, completely messing up the environs where I am producing and not knowing really what the end product will be. But like my paintings, I usually am successful at producing a savory, unique blend.

Q4: What's your favorite book?
MZB: I have many from different periods of my life and that I adored because they satisfied different parts of me. When I was younger I loved "Marjorie Morningstar" by Herman Wouk for Marjorie herself with her familiar and very real dreams. And, more recently, the 2 that have stood out have been "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides for it's humility of ordinary people wanting to be accepted in life just for who they are and "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger for its ultimate romanticism.

Q5: Do you have a favorite artist?
MZB: Again not just one. But if I have to narrow it down it would be Paul Gauguin for color and Pablo Picasso for drawing.

Q6: Did you ever consider being anything other than an artist? If so, what?
MZB: Other than being a mother, I have only wanted to be an artist.

Q7: What is the most intriguing place you've ever been?
MZB: I would say India because all the senses are tantalized: sights, sounds, smells, tastes.

Q8: Do you think that "good art" has to be more than a pretty picture?
MZB: "Good art" is really a subjective term. For me if the art reveals intelligence, knowledge of movements in Art History, expresses a personal passion of the artist and causes the viewer to take pause then I would consider it to be "good art."

Q9: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to be an artist?
MZB: Keep making the art. You change. It changes. There are tons of obstacles for artists which will test you. But, just persevere. It is always and most definitely worth it in the end.

Q10: Do you have a favorite quote?
MZB: "Whether you think you can or can't, you're right," by Henry Ford. I think it says it all for an artist.

Stay tuned for our next edition of "10 Things...". To submit a question, email us at valerie@galleryfresca.com.

10 Things Interview: Pepper Pepper

This is Part 2 of our ongoing series of interviews with members of the Fresca Gallery community. This week, we have gathered some of the questions emailed to us and will interview Pepper Pepper, the Fresca Gallery featured artist for the month of June.

Q1: What's your biggest source of inspiration?
Pepper Pepper: My biggest source of inspiration is nature. Some people have called my art 're-interpretations' of nature. I love the outdoors and get most of my inspirations from the grass, the flowers, the trees, the hills, the lakes, the mountains and the fresh air.

Q2: If you could have houses in 3 places, where would they be?
PP: Italy, Alaska, Colorado - in that order.

Q3: What's your dream vacation?
PP: First and foremost, my dream vacation would be to go back to Venice. But as to places I have never been...to be near the beaches of Hawaii or deep in the Brazilian rainforest.

Q4: What's your favorite song right now?
PP: I am a huge Mary Black fan. I also like Tracy Chapman, Luka Bloom, and Janet Klein (1920's Vaudeville music). My favorite song right now and always is 'Summer Sent You' by Mary Black.

Q5: What's your favorite all-time book?
PP: I have read all the Mrs. Murphy Mysteries by Rita Mae Brown. I will pick 'Wish you Were Here' - the first in the series 1990 - as my favorite.

Q6: Do you have a favorite artist?
PP: Georgia O'Keefe. I am fascinated by her life and her work. She is one of those rare artists whose work and life are both interesting and compelling.

Q7: What are 3 things you can't live without?
PP: Apart from my loved one, my laptop (sadly), my sanity (it fluctuates) and a crossword puzzle book.

Q8: Do you prefer cats or dogs?
PP: I am a big animal lover. In fact, I am a vegetarian because I am an animal activist. However, I don't care much for cats. Better yet, I really, really love dogs more than I do cats.

Q9: Where did you grow up?
PP: Miami, Florida

Q10: Besides being an artist, what is your number one skill?
PP: Speaking, communicating. Not that I do it great, but I do it with a passion (and an accent). I am often a guest or keynote speaker for several local groups. I enjoy that.

You can see examples of Pepper's work at www.galleryfresca.com