Q&A: Artists at Round the Fountain Art Fair

The Exponent interviewed two artist vendors during the 50th "Round the Fountain Art Fair” in downtown Lafayette Saturday. The interviews are transcribed in Q&A format below.

Artist Derek Collins from Memphis, Indiana

Can you explain your body of work?

“Acrylic paint palette knife. I built in layers and landscapes, flowers, a bit of everything."

When did you start painting?

“At the age of 26. I had a back injury, and they put me on the floor, made me lay on my back and all I could do is watch TV. I saw the painters on PBS and that’s how I started painting.”

What do you draw inspiration from?

“Well, from anything I've seen, but I’ve painted so many paintings now that I like to paint very freely. So the more the detail, the more it bogs me down. I just want a concept of what I want, and I just start painting and let it take the shape itself.”

How many festivals have you been to, and what do you like about Lafayette’s?

“About 20 festivals a year, very good quality work. And people love the art here, so they do buy art.”

What is something important you might tell someone who wants to create art?

“You have to be unique, and you have to have your own vision. If not, your work is just going to look like everyone else’s and nothing is going to make you stand out from anybody else.”

Artist Samuel Yao from Ann Arbor, Michigan

How long have you been basket weaving?

“I’ve been a full-time artist for 38 years, and I get my materials from south Florida; I use palm fronds. There are different varieties of palm so you can see the different fronds, including the star seed pods. They fall down from trees, and they recycle it, and then we part out different varieties in color, texture and size.”

What do you like about the Lafayette show?

“Oh, this is a wonderful show. This is a very nice crowd, and I appreciate the courthouse. Lots of places to get a bite. This is one of my favorite shows. I have a lot of customers always come back to see me.”

How much time does it take for baskets to be made?

“Since my work is one of a kind, it’s more like a sculpture, so each one is a little different. Time to finish from a small one is like one or two days, and even up to one month for the big pieces.”

How are baskets meant to be displayed or used?

“Most of my work is decorative, once in a while people will want to arrange it with something that’s fine, so it can be functional, too.”