Enjoy some valuable insights in this interview with Stella Canfield:

You’ve lived in both Bulgaria and the US – what are some of the differences between these two locales that have influenced your artwork?

I spent 17 years living on two continents. It was amazing how destiny works. I never thought I would return to Bulgaria after I left the country illegally in 1980. I was born and raised there, but so much had changed since my childhood that I had to adjust to a totally new environment. Yet the culture and traditions were still the same. It’s funny how much I missed those traditions while living in the United States, but when I went back to Bulgaria, they felt stifling. I didn’t even realize how emotionally draining it was at the time because I was so excited, curious and happy to be back!

I participated in many art exhibits during those years. My studio overlooked the beautiful colors of yellowish green grass, red poppy fields and orange sunflowers. There was color everywhere to fuel my creativity. The fresh air, the sunny beaches, fresh fruit and vegetables from my garden – all of it gave me a lust for life and the motivation to express what I felt on paper.

We would return to the US for the falls and winters, which forced me to cut back on plein air work (I’m not one to go out to paint when it’s cold outside). So I painted in my studio, mostly from memory, with the aid of some sketches and photos. I also taught art workshops – I really love the energy of the classroom. My students inspire me as much I inspire them.

Another great source of inspiration has been the Daniel Smith online sessions every Thursday and Friday where I’m able to stay in regular communication with many of the Brand Ambassadors and other artists from all around the globe. I also paint with some of my former students who have become great artists and dear friends. I enjoy using social media to keep in touch with artists and dear friends whose love, support and artwork inspire me. Art is a very powerful, uniting force!

Now that I’m back living full-time in California to be near my kids, I’m curious what I will encounter and express on paper…it is yet to be discovered. I’m starting this new year with no expectations, but I’m wide open for the new adventures awaiting me in my art and in my life…both intertwined.

What factors have impacted your ability to keep a balance between daily life and your art practice?

Last year was not easy for me and my art practice suffered – sometimes life interferes. After the passing of my beloved husband a few years ago, I finally made the decision to give up my Bulgarian adventure. I had to pack up the house and studio, prepare it to sell, and load everything into a large container to send back to the US. There are no moving companies in Bulgaria, so I had to do it myself with the help of few friends. The long process was emotionally and physically exhausting. For first time in my life, I learned what it meant to have creative block. I just couldn’t bring myself to pick up my brushes.

It is not easy to always keep a balance between regular life and art life. For parents especially, it can be hard to go to the art studio to work every day when the children and household need so much attention. I waited until my four children were teenagers to make time for my art, just a few hours each day. I’ve enjoyed spending more time with my art once the children were grown, but the emotional work of our family dynamic never left. As we all know, emotional fatigue is often harder to shake off than physical exhaustion.

Even though I live alone now, there’s always plenty of work I have to do outside of making art – taking care of the house, spending quality time with family and friends, and then there’s the business of art with appearances, self-promotion, organizing workshops, working with galleries, etc. Wow! It’s overwhelming even to write about, but I could not live without my art. I wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world! Being an artist can be a lonely job. The saving grace is my group of artist friends to share and paint with.

Why is making art important to you – how does it enrich your life?

I cannot even imagine my life without art, it’s a gift! It’s a fabulous way to connect on an emotional level with people. You put your soul on the paper and someone responds to your feelings. Through the years I’ve connected with artists around the world and I have friends on all continents. Nothing enriches one’s life like learning about different cultures and appreciating the differences. It feeds my soul with joy and puts a smile on my face thinking of all my global artist friends.

What advice do you have for up and coming artists?

I was very fortunate to study with many outstanding artists, including Milford Zornes, Robert Wade, Carla O’Connor, Frank Web, Barbara Niches, Judy Betts and Arny Westerman. Carla told artists to sing our own song – that a painting is not so precious. It’s about the journey more than the destination.

Just paint, learn and have fun doing it. Enjoy the process – the good news is that you can never get worse. With every brushstroke you will only become better.

What do you have planned for your art journey ahead?

I am eager to go back to full-time painting and teaching. One thing I’ve learned is to be open to receiving whatever comes on my way and be ready to face it with courage. My plans are just paint, paint, paint and enjoy life with family and friends.