Oil painter, coffee lover, night owl
Clara Corn earned her graduate degree in Art Therapy here in Emporia. She has worked as a summer arts educator, social media coordinator, professor, and art therapist in the community. In addition, she has been heavily involved in non-profit leadership at Plumb Place, Southeast KANSASWORKS, and most recently Bloom House Youth Services. We love that she has a passion for art and making a positive difference in people’s lives. Here’s our conversation:
What do you make?
I mostly paint with oils, but have been exploring more of what I can do with embroidery and textile arts.
Where and when did you learn your artistic abilities?
I'm lucky in that I grew up in a family where art was encouraged! My mom and grandma were my biggest art inspirations and kept art materials near; a fine art degree in undergrad gave me more opportunity to learn new techniques.
What inspires you or sparks your creativity?
I'm most creative when I have a little quiet time on my front porch with a coffee and let my mind wander.
What projects are you working on now?
A crazy quilt and several, several partially finished paintings!
What is your day like? How much do you sleep? What is your work schedule?
I don't sleep much and I have a lot of things I'm super passionate about so I tend to be doing several things at once most days. I'm a night owl and really love my quiet early mornings before the sun rises.
How many hours of creative work do you do in a day?
Well, I don't work on my own art as much as I should, but I work creatively probably 5-7 hours a week right now.
What is the first work you ever sold, and for how much?
That would be, I think, a self portrait in undergrad for $150.
When you start a new piece, where do you begin? What is the first step?
I start by sketching it out in pencil on paper.
How do you know when you’re done with a piece?
That's hard! I think when I feel like I'm close but I'm not sure I step back and look at it. Then I give it a few days after which I'll have some more perspective.
What music do you play when you’re making art?
It really depends on my mood, but mostly to be honest, it's often murder ballads.
Is there a meal you eat on repeat when you’re working?
I really tend to just drink a lot of coffee or tea.
Are you bingeing on any shows right now?
I'm re-watching Star Trek Voyager right now.
What is the weirdest object in your maker's space?
Oh goodness I don't know! My home is my space, so probably.... the electro shock box from the 1850s I bought at an antique store.
What’s the last thing that made you cry?
Oh I cry so easy.... probably an emotional commercial!
What are you reading right now?
Re-reading Dune by Frank Herbert.
What’s your favorite artwork by someone else?
One of my favorite artists is Frida Kahlo and I have a print of her "Thinking about Death" in my living room. I don't think I can pick a favorite!!
Favorite thing about living here?
The open Flinthills! It's beautiful here.
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