We were lucky to catch up with Wendy Fetzer Mazza recently and have shared our conversation below.

Wendy, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have always “done art”, whether it was keeping a sketchbook or creating change of address cards or planning my children’s birthday parties, but knew that someday I would want to pursue it full time. I went to college for interior design and practiced for about 7 years. I chose that career because at some point I was told that fine art wasn’t viable and I had to choose a career in the arts that could provide a paycheck. When my children were born I left design, but never lost my tether to my creative side.

As my oldest approached high school graduation I knew that I didn’t want to be standing there watching him graduate wondering what next would be. I signed up for a few classes through the Tampa Museum of Art and reignited the creative fire. I knew that my dream of becoming a fine artist full time was possible and began there. That was 6 years ago and I create every day.

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

I am primarily a painter and printmaker. My current series of work is black and white and titled “edges of sky”. I am always looking up, clouds are my muse. I am fascinated by the contrast between the visual mass and heaviness and the actual vapor that forms the cloud. I am enamored by their constant change in shape. When I create my pieces I begin with a watercolor painting of a cloud and abstract it from there. I create a stencil and play with brushstrokes to find a version of the cloud that resonates with me. I also listen to music while I paint and often tie the finished piece to a specific song that was playing while I was making the work.

Another art that I practice is guerrilla art. I will take small toys or objects and add verbiage or small paintings to them to leave in public places. I don’t know what happens to these pieces after I leave them; I leave no identifying information. They are my gift to the world.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson that I am thrilled to keep unlearning is the strive for perfection. Many people will say that mistakes are a gift or a window to a lesson. I agree, but this isn’t easy in practice. I have to constantly remind myself to stay in the moment and in the process . I have a tendency to edit myself while still in the making. I have learned that it’s best to keep going without stopping when I’m painting. If I stop to analyze too quickly it will stymie the outcome. I say that I am still unlearning because it is a constant effort to stay present.

Instead of perfection I now look for authenticity and fulfillment. I try to ask question of the piece such as: Does this say what I want? Have I taken this far enough? Can I stand by this piece? Would I hang this on my wall? Is there mystery here?

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I find that the most fulfilling way to support artists is to encourage them to promote each other. Many of my favorite artists and influencers do just that. Not only do they promote themselves, but others. When I do this I feel more fully a part of the community.

I also feel that there cannot be enough galleries, museums, art fairs, etc. A lot of the challenge is getting the creative product in front of an audience. It only takes one person to purchase a painting, but they may be one of a thousand that views it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wendyfmazzafineart.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/wendyfmazzaart
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/wendyfetzermazzafineart

Image Credits
photographs by Wendy Fetzer Mazza and Sidney Mazza