Lynda Mason – Horse Artist Interview

Name
Lynda Mason

Website & Places you can find my work online
Website: www.horseofadifferentcolorart.com
Facebook: Horse of A Different Color
Artslant: Lynda Mason
Fine Art America: Lynda Mason

Where I am
I live in south Florida

Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
My interest in horses began during childhood, in which my first memories involve collecting model horses, riding horses, and drawing horses. I have spent my entire childhood around horses and have lived in south Florida almost my entire life. I studied zoology and forensic science in college and have been teaching both forensic science and zoology at a public high school for ten years. I also started an animal pop art business, Horse of a Different Color. This fall, I will be starting veterinary school at the University of Florida and will continue to paint horses.

In my art, horses and other animals are often humorously shown among pop culture references with underlying important messages about life’s challenges.

My art is intended to increase an appreciation of other species and raise awareness about the plight of animals on this planet.

When did you first start painting?
I started drawing horses when I was about five years old.

You don’t just paint horses, what is your favorite subject?
Animals in general. Every painting that I have ever made has included at least one animal in it. I don’t think I could ever make a painting without an animal in it. They are my inspiration.

Who are your main influences?
Salvadore Dali, Rene Magritte, Andy Warhol, Gary Larson, Dr. Pepperberg (scientist who did the research on African Grey parrots).

Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
My African Grey parrot has inspired me in some of my work. He is such an intelligent animal and I wanted to express that animal intelligence in my paintings. For example, when he loses a tail feather, he uses it as a comb as he scratches his head, while saying “wanna scratch”. This shows that these parrots do not just mimic what they hear, but actually understand the meanings of certain words.

Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?
No, but before I paint, sometimes I write down what I want to say in my art.

When I feel passionate about something, I will think about how to use symbolism or pop culture references in order to express my feelings or position. My art is about following childhood dreams and the importance of individualism.

Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration?
No particular place, but just being around animals and nature inspires me.

What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in general?
I think it will provide many new networking opportunities through sites such as Facebook, and immediate exposure through different online galleries.

Has it had an effect on yours?
Yes, my facebook page and website have allowed me to share my art with a much greater audience and to gain exposure through different online art sites and galleries.

Which one is your personal favorite piece?
One of my favorites is The Dangers of Conformity because it shows a red zebra looking over his shoulder at the conformist herd galloping into a lightning bolt.

This painting demonstrates the importance of individualism and being true to yourself, not pretending to be someone else. Being proud of who you are.

Would you ever sell it?
Yes, I have learned to never get to attached to my art because it is meant to be shared.

What else are you passionate about?
I am very passionate about species conservation and raising awareness about the importance of saving endangered species. I am organizing an Art Auction for the Animals in which art will be auctioned and raffled off to raise money for the National Wildlife Federation.

Working on anything new?
I have been working on some paintings relating to the Gulf Coast oil disaster. The tears I have cried and the pain I feel are expressed in these paintings. I am also planning on starting an exhibition called POP ZOO ART, that will include zoo animal pop art to be showcased at different zoos to attract attention to the importance of animal conservation.

More to Come

Thanks to Lynda for answering the interview and sharing her work. Be sure to check out her art website periodically for updates about her latest works.

Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers. Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop me a note to get involved.