Artists Corner: Janice Shindle

Between the Carrollwood Cultural Center and the Life Enrichment Center, one thing is clear:

North Tampa is a community full of talented artists.

We recently talked to one named Janice Shindle, who has had art displayed at various locations in Tampa Bay.

Patch: How did you get started as an artist?

Shindle: I started doing art in my senior year of high school. I went to the only high school available in Jamaica, VT. We traveled 17 miles to a semi-private school in Townshend, VT. I had all but two credits needed to graduate by my senior year, so I decided to take extra courses to fill my time. One was art. The headmaster of my school was a world renowned artist that taught the class. Needless to say, I had a great teacher. By the end of that year I received the art award for the year. I had never done any art until that year. What a great surprise.

After high school I went to Johnson State College to get a degree in teaching. Each student was required to take art history and music theory. This was a great opportunity to lean about other artist and different types of art. I also took an oil painting and sculpting class that were not required.  After years of raising a family and working at other endeavors, I decided to use the knowledge and talent that was acquired in art classes many years earlier since I really enjoyed the classes I had taken several years ago.  I retired from an insurance company after 29 years and found the Life Enrichment Center that offers art classes. I am working with pastels, watercolor, acrylic and oil. Pastels are my medium of choice.

Patch: Who or what influences you?

Shindle: Lorraine Potocki is the pastel teacher at the Life Enrichment Center, and has really inspired me. She has such great talent that she shares with all of us in the class. I have also took a drawing class to reorinet myself after years of other endevors. Deborah Radke taught that class, and really streched my art skills. This is wonderful to be doing something I love. There are so many great subjects to explore and paint.

Patch: What are misconceptions that people have about artists?

Shindle: I have friends that think that you have to be able to draw a straight line to do art, and they believe we are all born with this special talent. In working with many that do art, I know that we are all different and unique in our own way. Just visit any art museum and you will realize how different everyone is and how beautiful that can be. Art teaches everyone to really look and see. Being able to see things as they really are is very important in being able to put that image on a blank sheet of paper.

Patch: What do you think your art says about you?

Shindle: My art shows my diverse interest. Much of the art involves nature. I love to kayak, bike, swim and walk outdoors. However, I also love to find subjects that scream intense relationship and intense feeling.

Patch: How can people view your work?

Shindle: My work has been juried and displayed at TECO and has also been displayed in other locations in Tampa. My art will be on display at Life Enrichment Center during the month of July. Also, my website is janiceshindle.com.