We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Clara Pascarella. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Clara below.

Alright, Clara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

After graduating from USIU School of Performing and Visual Arts I worked as an Illustrator for SDUSD drawing LEP curriculum materials and visual aides. This was my day job while I auditioned for parts in plays and TV commercials. The work as an illustrator felt more meaningful than the acting because the art was used to help students learn and understand English. After about five years the curriculum program ended. Through contacts from college, I interviewed for the Old Globe Scenic Studio. From 1976-1995, I worked as an associate scenic artist for the Old Globe, Lamb’s Players, the Theatre in Old Town, and the SD Opera. During that time I earned my SAG & AFTRA standing as an actor. My husband and I have three children and a change of livelihood prompted a transition into teaching full-time. For 16 years I taught high school literature and art for SDUSD.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My style of art is narrative realism, both in paintings and illustrations for publication. I am currently retired and only interested in creating art that illuminates the spiritual impact of Christ.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I am currently writing and illustrating a novel: Lore of Tir Nan Og. It explores a what-if question:

What if Eden is the first home of humans as well as the faery and the Tree of Knowledge is the source of faery magic? The story follows a young girl’s journey to Tir Nan Og in the Otherworld where she discovers she is a halfling (part human, part faery) and finds herself drawn into a conflict begun by her patriarchal ancestor.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the time we started a family it became clear we couldn’t provide the home environment for growing children by continuing on the path I was on. It was a time of reckoning over core values. Teaching provided the means for a nice house in a neighborhood near good schools for our children. Happily, it was a fulfilling work.

Contact Info:

• Youtube: Write Out Loud Forum

Image Credits
Domine Press, Carousel Readers