Quantum Energy Partners Featured Artist: Lysa Ashley
Lysa Ashley, Quantum Energy Partners-sponsored artist, will showcase her work at The Center for Hearing Speech’s fourth annual Houston Via Colori street painting festival, which is slated for Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 in downtown
About Lysa
Lysa Ashley is an artist and teacher from
Q and A with Lysa Ashley
Q: As one of our artists who has much more experience with street painting than the typical artist, a) do you have any advice for street painters starting out and b) do you have any traditions or routines you use when preparing for a festival or tackling a large-scale street painting?
LA: "The classic, and very important, street painting advice is to get up and move often, change your position often, and take frequent breaks that include drinking water. This will help to reduce sore muscles. I will add that there are some things to keep in mind when choosing an image. First, keep in mind the amount of time you have to complete it. A very detailed image might seem really cool, but until you are accustomed to pacing yourself, you might want to choose something with large blocks of color and a simple design. Also, think ahead about the colors you will need for your design. If you have large areas of a specific color, you might want to consider purchasing some extra chalk, since most festivals only provide one or two boxes, with only one of each color in them. Although you can always swap colors with other artists, there are some colors that are always a commodity, such as black, white, and flesh tones.
As for traditions, my favorite is socializing with the other artists. Meeting new friends and networking is lots of fun. Another is the 'celebratory beverage' when I have finished a piece."
Q: How did you go about planning and deciding what artwork you were going to do for this year's Houston Via Colori? Does anything about Houston Via Colori in particular influence how you chose the artwork?
LA: "When choosing an image for any festival, my first consideration is the visual impact. Some images, because of its subject matter, composition, colors, and/or contrast just scream to be done on a large scale in chalk. I want the spectators to walk up and say, "Wow!" For Via Colori, I like to do a classic piece - a copy of a masterwork. I also like to include the aspect of sound and hearing, if possible, [since the festival benefits an organization that helps deaf children learn to listen and speak.]"
Lysa’s work at Via Colori 2008
Q: Coming from an artist who has experience with other street painting festivals and events, what would you say sets Houston Via Colori apart the most? Could you sum up Houston Via Colori in three words?
LA: "Friendliness, location, and professionalism. The Texans are the friendliest people ever and Via Colori really rolls out the red carpet and does its best to make the artists feel appreciated. The location at the park is a beautiful setting for the festival that spectators love to visit. Everyone that I've ever dealt with at Via Colori has been very professional, as well as friendly. Everything is very organized, as well."
Q: Since you have participated in Houston Via Colori from conception, how would you say it has grown/changed throughout the years?
LA: "There have been new faces, both organizers and the participating artists. I keep making new friends."
Q: Do you have any memory/story from the past three Houston Via Colori festivals that has stuck with you or touched you particularly?
LA: "My most memorable Houston Via Colori was my first [in 2007]. It is a bittersweet memory. Sweet, because it was my first time at the festival, and in
Q: Do you have anything else to add?
LA: "I just want to add that there are no words to express my gratitude at being included yet another year in this fabulous festival. I am honored to be featured this year, and hope to do the festival proud. I am looking forward to it eagerly."
About
Presented by El Paso Corporation and Quantum Energy Partners, Houston Via Colori 2009 is a free, two-day street painting festival in downtown
About The Center for Hearing and Speech
For more information on Via Colori, please visit Houston Via Colori.