"On and on they flew, over the countryside parceled out in patches of green and brown, over roads and rivers winding through the landscape like strips of matte and glossy ribbon." J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. Wildness, wandering, and mystery make up the creative spirit of artist Linda Lindus's approach to her expressively captured Nature musings. Linda was born in a rural Washington State logging town. Linda remembers spending her early life exploring the magic of her surroundings as a wide-eyed nature child. She recalls, "Traipsing through the woods following my father's footsteps, as I learned to read the forest's signs; the moss on the pines, the deer tracks, the rabbit scat, and the grunt of a bear hidden in the blackberry patch." The process of discovery was everything.
Life as a child in a military family moved her from the woodlands of the Pacific Northwest to the rocky shores of upper New England, then back to the congestion of humanity called Los Angeles. Linda learned the family moves in and out of the country and city formed her wilderness impressions of nature and represented man's intrusive changes. "Change became a constant like the seasons and the sun moving across the sky." Linda says, "Not only do I see with my eyes; I also need to touch the environment. Those early tactile experiences of the ocean's sand running through my fingers, the smell of salt air, and the rough edges of a cedar's bark are permanent images in my mind."
Linda remembers her great-aunt, an artist in Seal Beach with an antique store, as her second most valuable influencer. She introduced Linda to the educational experience in the land of found objects. However, Linda's first painting experience of a neighbor's dog, which she painted with leftover paint from a by-numbers set, really sealed the deal on what would become Linda's creative medium. Linda, at that point, announced she would be an artist; however, her mom guided her into a career in business instead. After all, a girl has to be able to support herself! Linda obliged by enrolling in evening business classes and private painting lessons. The decision paid off with Linda accepting a position as a publisher of chain-owned newspapers, which moved her out of Arizona. Linda's media career provided many opportunities for traveling, eventually landing her in a position as an Operating Vice President for a publicly traded newspaper/media company. "Life on the deadline." as Linda refers to it.
"Not only do I see with my eyes; I also need to touch the environment. Those early tactile experiences of the ocean's sand running through my fingers, the smell of salt air, and the rough edges of a cedar's bark are permanent images in my mind."
Her position with the media company transferred her to Arizona, benefiting her second daughter, who had difficulty breathing with the California smog. Once Linda saw the expansive skies, wide-open spaces, and red rocks, she knew she was home. At this point, Linda became a single mom, raising her two daughters alone. The curve balls in life continued to come Linda's way. The internet transformed the news business, and a riding accident broke her back, literally. "As I was recovering in my chest to hips body cast, I re-assessed my life. The painting was always a constant, and rehabilitating by standing for hours at an easel gave me more than adequate time to think."
Today, Linda paints from her home studio in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a juried artist with numerous awards to her credit. "I paint with brush and pallet knife. The knife creates tactile reminders from childhood and mimics the rough textures of our surroundings." Her themes are big, bold, open skies and landscapes as awe-inspiring as the reality of their subjects. She says, "I love the desert, the vastness of Arizona, and the wonderful creatures within the state." She believes art is to be enjoyed and shared; the beauty around us is inspiring and healing. Linda Lindus is a member and board member of the Sonoran Arts League (SAL) and exhibits throughout the year with the group. She is also represented by The Finer Arts Gallery in Cave Creek, On the Edge Gallery, and Gallery Andrea in Old Town Scottsdale.
Email: lllindus@gmail.com
Website: www.lindalindus.com
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