Get to know artist Cobie Cruz from 2025 exhibit "REACT, RESPOND"
1. At what point in your life did you realize that you wanted to pursue the arts professionally?
As a teenager I would paint on fabrics (wearableart) as requested by friends and family and charge them a nominal fee to supplement my allowance. My paintings were just for myself. A few years later after moving to Canada a friend saw my work and insisted I do her a commission. That was the start of my professional career in art.
2. What must you do to get your ready to begin in the studio? Or how do you get past the “blank page”?
I love to always start in a clean studio, which gets messy very fast but it’s always good to start fresh. A white canvas can always be intimidating, but I usually get over that by making marks with charcoal or paint with a wide silicone brush.
3. What gets your creative juices flowing?
Usually, it’s music, listening to an art podcast or an audio book that keeps my creative juices flowing.
4. Describe your artistic Style in three words.
My artistic style can be described in three words as Intuitive, impressionistic and spontaneous.
5. How do you determine the size of your work?
I like to vary the size of my work depending on where I will be showing my work and what is required by a show.
6. Square vs Rectangle. What’s your preference and why?
I predominately like to paint in a square format, but lately I am working on some larger landscape pieces and for those I prefer a rectangle. I can flip easily between the two shapes.
7. There is a lot of you put in these artworks. How do you practice gratitude for what you get to do?
Needless to say the act of creating a painting is a meditative process for me. Painting calms me and my studio is my happy place. I show my gratitude to my practice by donating my artwork or a percentage of my sales to worthy causes as the need arises. Every year, I donate a small amount of my sales to educate a needy child in India.
8. Do you have any phrases or words written in your studio? What are they and why are they there?
I have an inspiration board in my studio with a few phrases pinned on it. My favourite phrase is by Pablo Picasso which says, “Art is chaos taking shape.” This totally reflects my practice and the title of the present show react and then respond to your mark, makes sense of the chaos on my canvas. The other phrases that show up on my board are, “Make it happen girl. Shock Everyone!” and “Embrace life and all its challenges and opportunities.”
9. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
People are usually surprised to see that I can easily paint varied genres, from landscapes to figurative, abstract to floral.
10. Name three things that have no monetary value that you own, but you love dearly and will keep forever.
Three things I own are more emotional in nature than things. I value my family, I love spending time with other artists and exchanging ideas and lastly, I love sharing my knowledge of techniques with my fellow artists.
11. If you could have one of your artworks from this exhibition in a permanent art collection, which one would it be and what institution?
One of my favourite pieces in this show is “The Land of Many Moons”. I would love to see it in an institution where it can give hope to the people viewing it. Provide a few minutes of escape from the trials and tribulations of this life.
12. What drink & food do you think is best to consume while viewing your artwork?
My work is best viewed with a glass of wine and some cheese and crackers. Take your time to view the piece as there is a lot to see and it can take you on a journey of exploration.
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