Pools of Pigment: Kristine VanderSchaaff

Hello, My name is Christian Kyle. I have never properly introduced myself but I am the voice behind the blogs here at Little River Art. To celebrate the end of the year, my team and I decided to do a highlight on me, so you all could get to know me a little bit better. After all, we will be spending a lot of time together in the new year. On a sunny day here in East Tennessee at our office, our Gallery Sales Specialist, Reem Arnouk sat down with me to ask a few questions that will hopefully give readers a better understanding of the person behind the work they read. I’ll be honest it was interesting to be the one being interviewed, but nevertheless, I was excited to have a thorough conversation with Arnouk to shed light on who I am as a writer, and member of Little River Art. In the following procession, there will be a transcript of the questions and answers that composed our interview. How did you find your writing voice or niche? I have always had a strong personality within my writing. I remember in high school, my writing teacher who I had for a couple years said she always could tell when a piece was mine from the voice and tone. I always had a knack for writing in college. My papers were the place I excelled the most. I would say I found it through meticulous writing sessions where I focused on my usage of words. I write a lot of poetry as well, so I think that added to the poetic nature of my writing in general. What does your writing process typically look like? Well, regarding our blog here at Little River, I usually start with a list of curated questions garnered towards the specific artist I am profiling. I then get a sense of what I know about them, juxtaposed with what they radiate throughout the interview. I always like to then come up with a title that captures the essence of the artist. Then I begin my writing, which usually takes me an hour or so to get it all down on paper. Then I go into the review process, which consists of personal editing, and then review from the creative director of Little River, Jennifer Cover. I always make sure she enjoys the piece but also feels as though it really speaks on the artists she has enlisted to make up the Little River family. How do you come up with ideas for new blog posts? Well, right now, I am focusing my efforts on creating a series of artist profile pieces that will give our readers a closer look into who our artists really are. However, I have been collaborating with my team to make sure we have ideas that will be interesting and thought provoking. I would say I just flow through ideas and then find which ones feel like a success. What challenges do you face when writing, and how do you overcome them? Sometimes, I have problems with writer’s block. In regards to our blog, I think my biggest struggle is coming up with a title that encapsulates the artists, or the conceptual notion the piece is dealing with. I usually overcome them by simply jumping into the actual writing and let a title naturally happen through the work. What is your blog’s main goal or mission? Our main goal for the blog I am curating is to give readers and art lovers a deeper connection with our art, the artists, and our company in general. I personally also want to write a blog that feels creative and inspired by my love of language and the power of written word. Which blog post are you most proud of, and why? Well, I like they are all masterpieces (I said jokingly) but I would say I have two that stand out to me: “She’s As Free As the Birds” and “A Mastery of Artistry.” I love the story-esque nature of the first one. It feels like you are reading a novel or short story. I liked the words I enlisted to create the overall mood of that piece. With the second, I love the fast paced nature of it. I think it flows quickly and it is an exciting read. How do you measure the success of your blog? You know, I would say success to me is if I write a piece that inspires me and makes me feel like I did a good job with the execution, but it also helps when my team likes it. I would also add, I love seeing the artist's reaction to the piece. I usually read to them their piece before it goes live and I would say if they have a visceral reaction to it, that is when I know it is a success. Do you have any hobbies or activities that influence your blog? I am a creative writer at heart. I have written stories since I was a young child. I love to write lyrics and poetry, so I would say that natural rhythm of writing shows up in my blog a lot. I love taking in life and meeting new people at art shows, or around the community and I think that gives me inspiration when it comes to developing questions that interest people. What books, people, or experiences have shaped you as a writer? I would say Hemingway because he always said so much with very little and I think sometimes I can be very descriptive but his writing really influences me to work on using less words to describe something really complex. “Hills Like White Elephants” really changed me in college and how I view the art of storytelling because it might have seemed simple but it was actually talking about something really serious. What inspires you the most when it comes to writing? I would say I am just inspired by the beauty of storytelling, and the power behind putting your experiences or ideas in written form. I am also really inspired by the world around me. I think I immerse myself in environments and learn about people. I think people inspire my writing: the good and the bad. I love writing about reality, as opposed to fiction. Where do you see your blog in the New Year I think I want the blog to have all 10 artist highlights done, and to have new ideas and fresh pieces that continue to elevate it. Arnouk and I concluded the interview with good spirit and I will say I was really happy to have a little bit of my story as a writer here on our blog. This is my most creative professional pursuit to date and I am so happy to continue building our blog and creating content that highlights the amazing work we do here at Little River Art.

In the quiet of a rainy afternoon, Mary Ann Taylor was working silently in the office of our gallery as I approached her with questions in hand. The mission I had set out to do was profile Taylor and get an understanding of her, and the relics of her expansive creativity. Taylor is Little River Art’s main abstract artist. Creating countless pieces a year, Taylor is consistently elevating her skills and her pieces are certainly a reflection of that. She smiled as I sat down next to her, seemingly excited to share her story, but also had some reservations because if Taylor is anything, she is in fact, a humble creative. She is not boastful and sometimes people could argue she is not aware of how remarkable her work truly is. So in my interview, it was important to ensure Taylor felt comfortable but I was also hoping to create an awareness that her work is so important to the foundation of Little River Art. First, it is important to understand Taylor’s background in life, specifically her philosophies and history of working. Her career began after college when she started working in a school library. Working with children was a crucial aspect of Taylor’s day to day. She worked tirelessly to create lessons and class work that would stimulate the creativity within a child’s mind and also keep them engaged in the content. “It certainly was stressful sometimes. Creating a lesson plan that adhered to the school system’s requirements but also pushed the boundaries of what is considered engaging.” The major question at hand was what drew Taylor to the role of being an educator? Taylor looked down, appearing to be pondering the essence of the question. Then she quietly responded with a warm smile. “Teaching came to me so naturally, and more importantly there is something beautiful about seeing the world through the eyes of a child. I think that work inspired me in my own life in so many ways. I love literature as well and I learned books and children are the perfect combination because they can really learn so much about the world around them. You know, I would argue it taught me to appreciate the simpler things in life.” With a keen talent at teaching, especially when enlisting the usage of literature, Taylor transformed her classes into escapist environments where children could really absorb information about the world around them, while also being able to explore themselves as well. It is not a surprise Taylor spent most of her career guiding children, for her spirit evokes a sensation of calmness in anyone who interacts with her. This carefree and gentle energy is infectious and it really does make you feel lighter. Next, I had an interest in what brought Taylor to Little River in the first place. She beamed as she opened up about her journey here. “Well, I knew Jen and Tom (LRA owners) already before I came to Little River. We had a mutual friend and my daughter, Caitlin, was working part time for them. Later, she ended up moving to Maryland to pursue her photography which left Little River with an open position. You know, I thought to myself wouldn’t it be fun to join the team. I had retired from my career in teaching and it felt like a very easy decision to pursue this role in my next stage of life.” Taylor talked about the early years and revealed she would work on coating giclees, using the finishing varnishes on pieces, and assist in overall studio maintenance. “The position grew and grew overtime. I started out working in the studio. Then, I started working in the office with Jen and would help with administrative tasks, and then we opened “The Artful Home” gift shop. That was a really exciting time for us. We were able to decorate and really create a special space for people to find the perfect gift or home accent.” Naturally, I wondered to myself when did Taylor start painting? “After two years of working here, Jen and Tom asked me to start working on painting. I was so excited. You know, when you sort of fantasize about something? Well, that was me with painting here at Little River. You see, my grandfather was a painter so I have always been exposed to it but you know I just never found the chance to really dive into it.” It was surprising to learn Taylor had never really explored the realm of painting in her life prior to Little River because her work would suggest she had been doing this for years and years. So, if you were like me, you’d be wondering where she learned to execute this talent? “It was all Jen and Tom. They taught me so much. I remember sitting in the studio and watching Jen paint. She was so effortless and it was because of Jen’s abstract work that really changed my opinion or understanding of abstract art. I used to think it was one thing but I learned it is so free and open. It could almost be anything.” Taylor’s work seemed to be something she naturally wanted to pursue but once again, it was really thanks to the Covers that she found her own personal oasis. Taylor revealed later in our interview that her work, and painting in general, is a feeling of freedom. “Sometimes the paintings paint themselves, you know? It is so freeing to watch the colors merge and create something you would never see coming otherwise.” Within that freedom there has to be some source of initiation. For Taylor, that source was easy to pinpoint: Tom Cover. “Well, Tom will ask me for something specific usually. He guides me in what is needed for our clients and the market. Though, sometimes I have a reference photograph I take or just an idea that I run with.” Taylor fell into the world of creating abstract art through the guidance of her fellow Little River artists. J. Austin Jennings was the root of her appreciation for abstract art. It transformed Taylor’s understanding of the art form completely. They allowed her to explore her talent while also creating art that was successful in the gallery. I was curious to know what keeps Taylor creating abstract art, and even more significantly, what did she want people to take from it? “I love abstract art because it is simple. It reminds me of the lesson I learned when I was teaching children: life is simple. You know when you are viewing a gorgeous sunset, or having a quiet evening. These are so simple, but yet beautiful and people see different things in them. Abstract art is that to me. It is something that can create such powerful imagery to viewers but it was sourced from something simpler in nature. Shapes and color are the mainstays of my abstract work. I simply love creating my art because it makes me really happy and that is all I want people to feel when they view it. I want them to be submerged in happiness.” A final question that arose within my mind was how did Little River change her life and what does she want for the future? “Little River gave me the chance to explore a whole new world for myself. I was always creative but it provided me with the tools and exposure to paint. I just want all the artists to continue working and be appreciated and loved for their work.” Mary Ann Taylor had an entire life journey before she joined the Little River family. She was taught by children to view life through a gentle lens. A lens that makes life feel simple. To appreciate the soft and beautiful things. She happened to fall into painting but when she did, she had a whole new identity. An identity that makes her happy. Happiness is the most important thing to Taylor in regards to art. She wants to continue creating art that has pops of pigment and keeps making her happy. Painting also has longevity, something she noted as “crucial.” It is clear Taylor will be painting with Little River for a long time, for it gave her a new love. It gave her a new life. One defined by the gentle things in life.

Picture this. The sounds of shop machinery are drowning out the environment around you and there is an artist hard at work framing and stretching canvases. On his work days he is a tangible member of a business. On his off days he defines the mastery of fine traditional painting. This is the life of Alexsander Cherepov, one of Little River Art’s most popular working artists. He comes in every morning and opens the garage doors of our shop and blasts classical instrumentals as he loses himself in the work to be done around him. One chill November morning, I approached him as he got his station ready for a busy day. The objective: clear and concise. I wanted to understand the work behind the man people travel sometimes hours to get a custom commission piece from. I wanted to understand him. To even begin the exploration, it was clear to construct an idea that his foundation begins as a Russian American. He embarked on the journey to the States in 1998. During the 90’s, Russia was plagued by macroeconomic shock waves that tanked the job market and caused an unemployment rate of 10.8% by 1998. Cherepov, when asked about these times in Russia, stated firmly, “Leaving was essential. It was for work. I needed work, as did a couple other Russian friends of mine who came with me and my wife. We needed an income.” Cherepov left Russia promptly to join a company here in America that was going to be working in animation, which attracted the dreams of Cherepov, a talented illustrator. An identity he noted as his “main love in the world of art.” Though the company was bought out by Mattel and then quickly dissolved. Leaving Cherepov uprooted and stranded in an intense economic environment that he was just getting adjusted to. He had two options: fail at the relocation of his destiny or keep his fortitude to fight for the life he wanted. Cherepov, who was busy stretching a canvas, turned to me. “Even though it was a challenging time, I was overwhelmed with my excitement. I was so enthralled to be in a new environment. The States felt like a new beginning and I wasn’t going to give up because one opportunity was lost.” Cherepov then began working on houses. Where he found his niche expertise in painting. He would paint anything for people. While he was working on one house, a familiar name came to the same location and by chance, Cherepov would find himself in the presence of someone who shifted his life forever: Little River Art founder, Tom Cover. Cover quickly spotted the talent in Cherepov. “Tom saw this ceiling painting I did of clouds, and was taken aback by it. Shortly after, I was offered a role to come paint with his small start-up, which was Little River.” One moment of exposure introduced Cherepov to the beginning he thought was going to initiate with that company before Mattel. Though now, he was going to have his name on it. Alexsander joined Tom and his son, Michael at Little River. Cherepov opened up about those early years. “It was a small unit. Those days were very fast-paced. Tom and I would paint, and then we would all three help frame and get them ready for sale. I was painting every day then. It was a special time, looking back, because now we have turned into a company that has a larger scope of clients and that means we did something right all those years ago. The success of Little River was established by the strict work ethic we had.” This work ethic has never slowed down in Cherepov, if anything, it has ignited even more so nowadays. A force of mental strength and a physical pursuit that requires years of dedication. Now, picture this: You’re working harder than you ever have. You have to churn out multiple paintings a week. You have deadlines. How do you keep up? What inspires you to continue working? Well, Cherepov laughed at the question when brought forth. “There is no inspiration behind my work, other than it is work. I don’t have any elaborate process. I just paint what clients want. The technique was partly crafted by me, but it was guided by Tom. He essentially would travel to all of them and come back with ideas of what they needed, and I would simply execute.” It was daring for an artist to say there is no muse behind creating. There is just simply creation. This mentality is clear within Cherepov, but most people would be in disbelief, especially if they viewed his paintings. The figures representing people in his paintings all have the same stylistic choices. The colors are traditional, as well as the depictions. However, this mindset within Cherepov comes from the fact that he creates 200 paintings a year, on average. It is comparable to other successful artists. Sometimes they perform their craft so many times that it becomes second nature. It doesn’t feel like something that requires innate inspiration, but rather, an idea that could be sourced from anywhere. Making Cherepov a commodity in the art world because he can make a sometimes complicated process and transform that into a fast paced one that fulfills many people. The business, the client, and the artist. Finally, picture this: You paint 200 paintings a year. You are essentially a machine turning out beautiful art. Where did you find this identity if you have no personal inspirations behind each piece? For Cherepov, it seemed obvious: illustration. After all, he came to the States to work in animation as an illustrator. “My main love is illustrating. I am a drawer. I love figure drawings. I would say my love for it is where I discovered myself to be an artist. I would love to one day return to that work, in some way.” Alexsander Cherepov. An artist that took many blows before he found his niche. He could have given up the chase for a new life in a new place if he succumbed to temporary defeat. However, this is where his pride in his Russian background comes full-swing. He found where he excelled, which still was aligned with his main love of artistry, and succeeded because of nothing but opportunity and work ethic. Alexsander Cherepov: a mastery of artistry.

Visionary of Excellence: Tom Cover

She's As Free As The Birds: J. Austin Jennings