Northwest Art Beat (NW Art Beat) is a free, self-guided tour of Skagit Valley art studios that allows you to experience the works and creative processes of artists from Skagit, Island, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties. Skagit Artists sponsors the annual event. I had the pleasure of going again this year, and this time going to La Conner where I got to talk with and see the work of six of the artists. 

Like last year, I wanted to understand each artist’s creative journey and how they got to where they are today. But one of the main goals I had was finding out why each artist feels art is important to today’s society and why they feel it’s important in their life. 

Judy Thomas: A Creative Journey Through Art and Nature

Judy Thomas is a highly accomplished and dynamic artist whose creative journey showcases her diverse talents and unwavering passion for the arts. Armed with a BFA in Textile Design from Rhode Island Institute of Design, Judy has fearlessly delved into a wide array of creative endeavors such as weaving, pottery, winemaking, and even floral design. Her artistic journey has been marked by a series of remarkable experiences, from working for a distinguished designer in Hawaii to co-founding and running Bellevue’s oldest winery. 

Currently based in La Conner, Judy’s focus on clay art is a powerful expression of her profound connection to the natural world and her steadfast dedication to infusing joy and positivity into her unique creations. Her recent participation in a studio tour not only allowed her to showcase her captivating pieces but also served as a source of renewed inspiration, sparking overwhelmingly positive and supportive feedback from visitors. Judy’s ability to constantly evolve as an artist is truly commendable, and her unwavering commitment to crafting beautiful, one-of-a-kind artworks demonstrates her exceptional talent and enduring enthusiasm for her craft.

When I asked Judy what drives her as an artist, she explained that her deep connection to the natural world and her passion for creating art are the driving forces behind her work. She finds joy in the artistic process and aims to bring that joy to others, especially during serious times.

Life of Creativity: The Artistic Journey of Lisa Bade

When I interviewed Lisa during the studio tour, she shared some inspiring details about her journey as an artist. When I inquired about her beginnings, she mentioned that her creative parents played a significant role in fostering her curiosity and passion for art. She also highlighted the importance of having the freedom to explore and create, as well as the joy her family found in making things together. 

As she progressed through her education, Lisa emphasized the invaluable art program at her high school and her decision to major in art at a liberal arts college. Subsequently, she gained gallery representation in Seattle in her twenties and embarked on a fulfilling career teaching studio art, art history, and global studies at a high school in the same city. 

When discussing her artistic influences, Lisa eloquently expressed that her students had a profound impact on her as much as she influenced them. Furthermore, she described being captivated by the beauty of nature, particularly the influence of water, boats, birds in flight, light, wind, and the enchanting experiences of exploring the forest and observing the marine life around Orcas.

Lisa’s profound connection to the natural world and her students’ influence on her work offer a captivating insight into her artistic journey and the sources of her inspiration. You can check out some of her art on her website, lisa-bade.com

An Artist’s Journey: Sue Bloomfield’s Path to Nature-Inspired Painting

As an artist, Sue Bloomfield has had quite a journey through different media and experiences. When she couldn’t afford art college, she had to put her passion on hold and spent years working, raising a family, and exploring various creative outlets. It wasn’t until she developed arthritis in her hands that she turned to painting and discovered her true medium. 

Moving to Skagit County and joining art groups here really helped her develop as an artist. Working with these groups gave her the time, practice, and encouragement she needed to start showing her work. Sue’s personal story as an “army brat” and exposure to art in Europe greatly influenced her artwork, especially her love for Art Nouveau. She draws inspiration from various sources from the Art Nouveau movement, the Canadian Group of Seven, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Through her art, she aims to convey the beauty and motion of nature, as well as to encourage a deeper connection with the natural world. 

Sue primarily works with painting, finding inspiration in the motion and composition of landscapes. Overcoming the challenges of time and money, she has been able to dedicate more time to painting after retiring. She hopes viewers find both calm and energy in her paintings, and she aspires to submit her work to more galleries in the future and reach a broader set of people who might enjoy her vision. You can keep up with Sue and see some of her work on Instagram (@suebloomfield_skagit) or on Facebook (@suebloomfieldartist).

Brushstrokes of Inspiration: The Artistic Evolution of Sarah Dalton

Sarah Dalton discovered her passion for art in college in the late 70s. Despite initially trying to avoid art, she found herself drawn to the subject while fulfilling her art and history requirements. Taking Art History opened her eyes to the beauty of art, leading her to delve into drawing, a class that she found herself deeply engaged in. Since then she has always been involved in some form of artistic expression. 

Sarah’s decision to sell her photography marked a significant moment in her development as an artist, presenting both challenges and motivation. Selling her art provided her with valuable feedback and the motivation to explore new techniques and media. Her background and personal story greatly influence her artwork, as she draws inspiration from her childhood experiences such as growing up in a house filled with historical artifacts, observing birds at bird feeders, and her love for beaches.

Sarah gathers inspiration from other artists, her own previous work, and personal experiences. She works with multiple media, including photography, painting, multi-media, and ceramics, allowing her artistic direction to be guided by the moment, ensuring that each medium complements the others. For Sarah, art involves embracing daily challenges and decisions that revolve around depicting subjects, incorporating colors, and working with different materials. You can look more into Sarah and her art on her website, SimplyImagesbySarah.

Capturing Life’s Canvas: The Story of Nicolette Harrington

Nicolette Harrington’s passion for art began at a young age when her grandmother gifted her with oil paints in 1st grade. Over the course of 29 years, she shared her love for art as an elementary school teacher, leaving a positive impact on her students. Raised in Montana, she spent the past 12 years in LaConner and taught in various locations, including Oak Harbor for 19 years and Fairfax County. Her invaluable experience led her to work at the Northwest Art Museum (MONA) for four years, where she taught educators how to utilize art materials. 

Nicolette firmly believes that art is more than a mere expression; it is a way of life and a perception of beauty. She finds inspiration in nature, particularly through her love for backpacking and kayaking, allowing her to explore and discover new perspectives. Her insightful experience in teaching art has taught her the significance of externalizing one’s feelings and recognizing the innate creativity within each individual. One of the most beautiful things Nicolette said during our interview was, “Some cultures don’t have a name for art, it’s just a way of life, it’s your understanding of aesthetics, it’s the choices of your things that make you feel you have meaningful things, and how you perceive beauty.”

Capturing Hope: The Inspirational Story of Andy Porter, Photographer and Teacher

I recently had the privilege of meeting Andy Porter, an extraordinary individual with a truly remarkable life story. Andy’s journey began with a challenging childhood as he moved around from New York to New Jersey, eventually finding himself in Florida for his senior year in high school.

Despite the difficulties he faced, including the passing of his mother and struggles with drugs, Andy managed to find a new beginning. He ran away at the age of 16 and discovered his passion for photography during a backpacking trip, particularly drawn to wildlife and nature photography. His wanderlust led him to dream of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, and he eventually found himself immersed in the diverse beauty of the North Cascades.

Throughout his life, photography served as more than just a creative outlet; it became a source of hope and positivity during his darkest moments, including his battle with cancer and his involvement with the Scientology cult. Andy’s resilience and passion for photography led him to establish an art gallery in La Conner, where he not only showcases his work but also teaches classes. His enthusiasm for teaching and spreading joy through his art is truly infectious, and it’s clear that Andy’s impactful work brings hope and beauty to many. You can look more into Andy, his work, and his photography classes on his website, https://andyporterimages.com/.