Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cassaundra Flor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cassaundra, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I’ve always loved being creative, growing up I always kept a sketchbook and documented ideas and images that intrigued me. This is a practice that has stayed with me in my adult years. It’s helpful as an artist to write down your thoughts, ideas, inspirations no matter how trivial they may seem at the time. These become guideposts in understanding yourself and what is important to you. I’m still learning what is important to my work both conceptually and aesthetically, but having documentation of my thoughts over time helps me immensely.
Cassaundra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Luckily I have an amazingly supportive family that encouraged me to pursue my passion for the arts. Through university I’ve gained mentors that have both encouraged me and pushed my abilities. Creative peers have been incredibly important to me as well. This community is so important as they both encourage and challenge me to keep going and try new things. I’ve had the ability to work in paint, wood, printmaking, and other materials. While one medium may resonate best with my work for a period of time, the experience with different materials informs my concept of what is possible in each material.
Printmaking was introduced to me in my undergraduate studies and has stuck with me as my preferred medium. I enjoy the tactility as I shape my printing matrix and the duality of the control/surprise element of printing. Printmaking has a rich history but is also evolving every day. It’s wonderful to be able to tap into a medium with a rich history.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most wonderful parts of being an artist is the opportunity to really look and spend time with what we love. Much of my work is centered around the concept of care and how that comes through looking. If I’m painting a loved one I have the opportunity to see the nuances in their character, appearance, and mannerisms. When I’m painting a subject it’s a representation of them, it’s not actually them. You’ll never mistake a painting for a real person, obviously- so what is the painting then? It’s a record of time spent, your impression of their appearance, impression of their mood, character, etc.
We’re living in a time where images are consumed quickly and life is lived at a fast pace. I think it’s radical in this time to slow down, pay attention, and really care for what you love.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One thing I’ve learned is to create my own standard of what is successful in my work. As an artist you will constantly hear different opinions about your work- and many times these opinions can be contradictory. While feedback is an important element of growth it’s been important for me to recognize that not all advice is best for me.
Growth comes from listening to people you trust, looking at what you admire, and taking the time experiment without fear of failure. I know as a young artist I have stopped myself too many times because of the fear of making a “bad painting.” I now know that it’s so much more important to make the “bad paintings” because you’ll never find what works if you don’t make anything at all. You’ll end up surprising yourself with those paintings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cassaundraflor.com
- Instagram: @cassaundraflor
- Facebook: Cassaundra Flor
