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About the Artist
One Woman, so many Rhythms
One Woman, so many Rhythms
One Woman, so many Rhythms
Creating musical improvisations on canvas and accessories. Explore her inspirations.
Ask Me a Question
One Woman, so many Rhythms
One Woman, so many Rhythms
Learn more about this multi-media artist, the process, and the studio.
Just the Facts
One Woman, so many Rhythms
Just the Facts
A career and lifestyle of all things beautiful and unique.
Artist Statement
Painter of Music
As a product of the 60’s, Ms. Schafer was born and raised in the Mid-West where she gained her foundation and learned her sense of values. At the age of 18 she left the cornfields of Indiana and headed south to the Florida beaches to seek out life’s adventures and attend college. During her junior year of college, her mind filled with science and math, she sought out a mental break and found an adult art studies program at the Brevard Art Center and Museum. There she found her refuge and her passion. Shortly after graduating she experienced many life-altering experiences including a diagnosis of cancer. In 1992, she relocated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast near New Orleans to pursue a career in Oceanography unaware of the turn her life would take. It was there in the deep south where she began pursuing her life’s calling as an artist as she discovered the layers of life and music along with her passion for painting.
“I’ve loved art as long as I can remember. I recall my first memory was how delicious finger paint oozing up through my fingers felt and enthralled with the rhythms and marks left on the paper. I also enjoy and excel in the sciences. The balance between both has been a recurrent theme throughout my life. My approach is scientific beginning with a hypothesis – a proving ground of a theory or problem painted as a series exploring various rhythmic aspects.”
“It’s the challenge of how you paint what you feel and hear that I have explored for 25 years. Initially my inspiration focused on instruments, and later moved into sound; and recently, rhythms of dance and life. My works focus on mark making and rhythmic lines drawing the viewer in and moving their eyes in a dance throughout the work; colors and textures interweave and reinforce the energy and composition. I paint sound and movement through shape, line, and color as bold and dramatic abstract expressionistic works.”
She lives and plays in her studio in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi creating music-inspired art.
Ask Me a Question
Why do you paint music?
When I began painting professionally I set out to paint something I was passionate about, and that was music. I’ve always loved music since I was a child. Also, if you focus on something you are passionate about you will remain curious and explore and love what you do.
How did cancer change you?
My medical illnesses have made me appreciate the little things in life…like the joy of living and being in the moment with family and friends. It also made me humble and appreciate my God-given gift. We are put here on this Earth to use our gifts to add to life and if we don’t then I believe I am a lesser person.
Where do your ideas come from?
Everywhere. It’s fun, I never know when inspiration will find its way to me. It could be in my car listening to the stereo, a conversation with a friend, or gardening. Really anywhere! I hope I listen to inspiration, and I’ve learned to always keep a sketchbook handy. I have them everywhere and not just in the studio…my purse, by my bed, even my beach bag. I’m always trying to push myself creatively and keep my eyes wide open to business opportunities.
What’s your favorite color?
Every color in the rainbow. Why should I limit myself?
Who has been your biggest artistic influence?
I can think of three... Wassily Kandinsky, a Russian painter, he was the first painter to paint music. He also found art late in his life, he was 30 years old when he began painting, prior to that he was practicing law and economics. He also died on December 13th, the day I was borne. I believe I have a connection with him.
I also love Alexander Calder and his playful, dancing shapes.
And, Peter Voulkos, a potter that took the medium to a whole new direction by building huge sculptures.
Who is your favorite musician? Or music?
Wow! I don’t even know where to begin with this one. The list is long and to say I have 1 favorite…well I don’t even know that I have a favorite genre. I love any form of music that has soul, and moves you and is unique.