Let’s get to know the artist:
Colleen Zana
1. Where are you from?
In and around Valparaiso, Indiana
2. How did you begin your art journey?
I’ve always been a creative, even as a child but never considered myself “an artist” I enjoy many forms of art. I sketch. I do sculpted themed birthday cakes for my grandchildren. In theater, I have directed, acted, costumed, set designed many plays in the area. I’ve written, produced, directed, designed the set for a play that I wrote about my grandmother’s truck stop. “Mom Cole’s” Which was widely favored. I ran a charitable based theater group that performed simply to make money for local charities. Still, I never thought of myself as an artist. It was too lofty of a title for me. Until the pandemic. I was bored out of my mind, as was everyone else. I started reaching back into my artist roots looking for things to do. My good friend; Peter Steeves, (he and his wife were in my bubble) invited me to his studio to try the latest fluid art craze. That night lit a fire that was hidden in my artist soul. I haven’t looked back. Thanks, Pete!
3. What inspires you?
How light hits. How colors mix to a new beautiful shade. A child’s smile. A feeling that I must put down on canvas. My husband encouragement. A new way to create and incorporate into an old way of doing things. And; as we have established already, boredom.
4. Does your piece always end up looking like the idea that inspired you?
Never. (enter laugh track) It will have a similar idea of what inspired me but it is never exactly what I intended.
5. Do you have a favorite music/artist/genre while working on a piece?
When painting, I mostly put on Fleetwood Mac. They aren’t my favorite artists but they have the best tempo for my fluid art. I will also put on AC/DC, Jethro Tull, Velvet Revolver however those paintings don’t always turn out the best. (more laugh track)
6. Most artists are creative in many ways, what is your favorite?
Right now, my favorite is fluid art. So many new techniques and mediums to try.
7. Do you have a favorite piece of your work and why?
I do have a favorite piece. “What lies beneath” It’s when I started realizing how I wanted my paintings to look. Organic, alive, telling a story that only the beholder can tell. It lives at my son’s house. He has the largest collection of my work. He’s a good boy.
8. Does your art help with other areas of your life?
Yes, I haven’t assaulted a human in a long time! Seriously though, it is my space and time where the world doesn’t exist. “My cocoon of creation.”
9. How do you define success as an artist?
When I like what I’ve created. It’s cool when others like it, but it’s a success when I like it.
10. How can people who are interested in your work contact you?
