Creating something from nothing: A conversation with artist June Crystal Blaylock

Some new artwork has been hung at The Upper Crust this week, featuring the work of Lewes resident June Crystal Blaylock.

Blaylock's work is as varied as the places she has lived (Delaware, California, Oklahoma). Besides creating what seems to be the requisite for a lot of artists-landscapes, florals, animals and impressionistic paintings-she is also known for her work painting china. But, she doesn't waste her time with plates like other china artists, preferring instead to paint tiles, sinks and urns.

Blaylock's work will remain up through mid-April and next week, she'll be at The Upper Crust from 12:30 to 2 p.m., for the artist meet-and-greet, ready to discuss her work and her creative process. But, first she took time to discuss her favorite mediums, her latest endeavors with Habitat for Humanity and what she hopes people get out of her art.

Q For your exhibit at The Upper Crust, you've been billed as an artist who works with several different mediums. Can you explain what kind of artwork you do?

A. I've been doing art for so long that it does seem that way. Mainly, I just paint out of my head, which means that I paint whatever I feel like at that moment. I've done acrylics and oils. But, I also do a lot of china painting and I've even done dolls. I never know when I start what I'm going to do. It's kind of crazy. I'll start with a brush and I'll start moving the brush around and just see where it goes.

Q What do you mean by 'china painting?' I think most people think that means plates and that you're probably referring to china patterns.

A You can paint on anything that has a glaze on it. And, what I've been doing for the last three years or so is porcelain sinks and tiles, like for your bathroom or your floor. All of my designs are original. I'm very good with roses and I like doing them. So, instead of working with old fashioned plates that seemed to require tracing a pattern or copying somebody else's work, I always wanted to do my own thing and create my own work. So, that's what I do. I'm actually painting a sink right now for Habitat for Humanity that's full of roses and violets. I think I'm going to put a bumblebee and a bird in there, too.

Q How did you get involved with Habitat for Humanity?

A I donate my time there. I've only been doing that for about a month. They've had me come in and paint some of the things they have in the store, like the tile and stuff. I mostly use stuff they have there and it's to show people what you can do. I've actually gotten several sinks from them that I was so happy with that I told them I would donate one. It's such a good cause and they're such nice people. Even when I didn't have anything to buy, I always left there feeling so good. I'm so glad to be involved with them now.

Q How did you get started with china painting?

A I was a critical care nurse in a county hospital in San Bernardino, CA for many years. It's an extremely stressful job and I wanted something to do to help me relax. So, I decided to start doing crafts. Then, I started taking some painting lessons and I met this woman, who became one of my best friends, who was exhibiting her work. And, I said, 'you know, what I have always wanted to do that.' And, she said that she gave lessons so I started driving about 30 miles each way to take these classes. And, I just fell in love with it. I had always wanted to paint or to do something like that growing up but I just didn't think I could make a living at it.

Q But, you feel differently about it now, right? It's more than a hobby now?

A Right. As an adult, it was more feasible, at least as a hobby. I kept my job as a nurse but I eventually started working part-time so I could work on the art more. I was still painting for myself or for gifts. But, then people started wanting to buy the things I made and I would sell stuff here and there. Then, after we moved back here and I wasn't working anymore, I was able to branch out even more and paint all the time.

Q So, what is it about china painting that you're drawn to?

A It's very difficult to learn and it's a real challenge. And, I like a challenge. For me, it was much, much, much harder. You have to work in reverse and start out light. Plus, it's like painting with butter on the slick tile. You put the paint on there but then you have to wipe so much of it off. But, the best thing is that it doesn't stay on until it's fired on. So, it's very forgiving even though it's very hard. You have a lot of room to get it just the way you want it.

Q So, why did you want to do the exhibit at The Upper Crust? What are you hoping people get out of your work?

A I would hope that they feel good when they see what I've painted and that maybe it puts a little smile on their faces. I want people to see beauty, feel happy and maybe even feel inspired. Maybe they'll see my work and they'll want to paint, too. Or, to see what you can do with almost nothing. I create something out of nothing and anybody can do that if they want to.