Verna Fogg has been passionate about mixed media art from the day she laid eyes on Pablo Picasso’s 1912 collage “Still Life with Chair Caning” in New York City. But like most creative artists, it was the fear of making the skill that she mastered and perfected the sole means for her livelihood. After working as a graphic designer, Fogg would fully surrender – pivoting into her new love found love for Pop Art, specializing in 3D artwork and mixed media painting.
“I was just thinking about money. I always knew that I wasn’t meant to work a 9-5 but I was afraid to start because I was so accustomed to having a regular job and knowing that I would always get paid. But I knew that If I was to pursue what I want to do at its highest potential, I would have to leave my job because you can’t give 100% to both at the same time. And that’s what I finally did. I couldn’t be afraid anymore, and I was always afraid. People used to think that I was afraid of success and for me that wasn’t true, I was afraid of growing up and taking responsibility for everything,” she tells Sheen.
Fogg, who started painting in 2013, became a full-time artist in 2015 and sold her first piece that same year. One year later, in 2016, she started her company V F Artist Inc., and has been commissioned to paint countless masterpieces ever since.
For Fogg, the Era of Art that inspired her the most was Pop art – an art movement that emerged in the United Kingdom and the United States during the mid to late- 1950s. Unlike previous Era’s and movements in Art history, Pop art challenged traditions of fine art by including imagery from popular and mass culture.
As an appreciation and investment in Black art and culture continues to rise globally, Fogg had her surfboard on the highest waves of the Pop art movement. “When I first decided to start painting, I dedicated myself to using oil paint because of the way it glides against a canvas and the way I blend the colors. Others will see my work and say that the outcome always portrays a 3-D look so after that I just decided to take it to another level and add other mediums and materials to it. I enjoy using everyday objects that make my work pop,” she says.
While she credits Tom Wesselman, a Pop artist from the ’80s, as one of her favorite artists, Fogg’s artwork has its own unique handprint, as she brings her distinct colorful, vivid, 3-dimensional, photo-realistic elements to each piece that she creates.
Fogg spoke with Sheen about her journey from a painter to a 3D and mixed media artist, overcoming her fears, and most importantly her love and passion for the craft of POP Artistry.
As an appreciation for 3D and Mixed Media Artwork is on the rise, how do you define and describe the function and role of this art in today’s society? Why does it matter to people?
Mixed Media Art is all about breaking the boundaries between different art forms. No limitations and no restrictions. You can create whatever you want because YOU ARE THE ARTIST. Art helps us humans understand that it is relatable. It is an expression of our experiences, our most personal thoughts, and feelings. Art allows us to see the world in a whole new way. One known fact is that an artist can present imagination, inspiration, and interaction to communities.
You are known for your precision and colorful artwork, how difficult was it for you to find your uniqueness as an artist?
Finding my uniqueness as an artist was never my issue. My concern was which lane I wanted to focus on. I had to determine what kind of art was going to be meaningful and appreciated (by me). I can be very hard on myself because I am always looking for perfection. I want my viewers to know that I am very solemn when it comes to this field but also want to be known for producing great work. The “Pop” in Pop Art stands for popular and that is how I want my art portrayed.
What is your process for being commissioned to create 3D and Mix Media Art?
After the client and I discuss what they want, I then create a sketch or a digital one (created on photoshop or illustrator) and then wait for approval. Depending on the size of the canvas and how intricate the design is – a piece can take up to a month. Since my main medium is oil paint the drying process can take time. Once the paint is dry then comes the process of me adding the additional materials to the canvas.
What problem are you solving through your artwork? What goal do you have in mind when you are creating masterpieces for your clients?
My goal is for the buyer to think outside the box and tap into their imagination when they see my work. I want them to close their eyes and try to become one with the painting while imagining that they are actually in the painting.
For more information, visit Verna Fogg on IG @vernafoggartist
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