Linda Dent Mitchell
‘Serendipity’
For this exhibition Linda will be showing a range of paintings selected from a collection created during and post covid. There will also be a collection of new ‘never-been-seen-before’ prints on metal (aluminium) created specially for the show. She will also be exhibiting a small range of art gifts.
Do you concentrate on one medium, or do you work in several?
Linda: My current practice is very experimental working with acrylic on canvas. I enjoy experimenting with colour and textured effects. I like working with sparkle paints and love to try new mediums on the market. Just now I’m trying ‘glow in the dark’ paint to see what it brings to the painting. Generally, I work on several paintings at a time which gives chance for me to think about each one before I make my next move. In the past I’ve worked with watercolour, gouache, pencil, pastel, crayons and collage, spray paints. For my PhD I studied the influence of digital media on painters with small studios between 1997 and 2003 which influenced the development of my work wherein I saw that using digital media would enabled painters to create images they wouldn’t have thought of using traditional media. I’ve included some of this thinking in the exhibition with a collection of digital prints on metal (aluminium). I try to be consistent in my practice but some days I’m more productive than others.
Tell me about your workspace.
Linda: I live in the country and have a studio in my garden. Size is quite good but I’d like something larger to store my work and spread out a bit more.
What inspires you?
Linda: I have a long background in the arts, originally trained in textile design, studied BA, MA, Teaching Quals and PhD so as I’ve progressed over the years my mind is constantly buzzing with images which have come from different sources. I work on different projects at a time. Yes, I do a lot of research and experimentation as I like to be progressive in my approach. I enjoy the spark of an idea to see where it leads and my most rewarding part is when I think a piece of work is successful.
Do you have a favourite piece in your Little Gallery exhibition?
Linda: I’m not sure at the moment. I often have a favourite for a while then another will take over as I create more work. I work in an eclectic style of imagery as I don’t want to pin myself down to one style. Yes, it can sometimes be more tangible when you’re not quite sure why you like something but it speaks to you in a certain way that some paintings don’t.
How did you start doing what you do?
Linda: A previously mentioned I began my career in textile design then taught for several years. I had a break for a few years and moved forward with my painting during covid which has led me to the present day.
Do you work on your creative business full time, or do you have another job as well?
inda: I work in my business every day. I do not have another job.
If you have spare time, what do you do with it?
Linda: Sometimes they inform each other. I like reading and travelling. I used to take some of my images from literature. Recently I’ve been experimenting with AI (artificial intelligence) wherein I create some imaginary text and see what type of image the text creates. I want to see how this experimentation can inform my work. So far I think it’s impressive stuff and great for finding new images. It will be interesting to see if this will take my work in a new direction.
What’s next for you?
Linda: I would like to continue exhibiting my work in galleries and other venues. I would also like to develop smaller works specifically for the gift shop market. The gift shop market was new to me until I worked in the Derbyshire Makers Shop. I’ve learned a lot in my time in the shop and seeing how other people adapt their work as gifts has opened a new door for me. I have a bit to go with this before I think I’ve got the product (and price!) just right to put it on the market. I would also like to submit some of my works and ideas to some major fine art publishing companies when I think I’ve got the imagery where I want it to be.
