For our fourth interview of the 2020 Delaware Fun-A-Day, we talk to SIX TIME participant Helen Ounjian about powering through road blocks, the artistic spectrum, vegan ideas, and art prep before starting new projects. Thanks, Helen!
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We like to know how people are connected to Delaware Fun a Day - are you a resident, born and raised? What opportunities have you found being in the exhibit?
I’ve lived in Delaware since I was 13…
My brother and some friends participated in Fun-a-Day some years ago (when it was on Market Street) and I was so excited to do it the following year, I ambitiously took on a painting project. Fun-a-Day was a way to connect with the Delaware art community hang out with some artsy friends and see new techniques that I’d be curious to try and be so enthralled with the amazing work that people pour so much dedication, time, sweat, (and tears?) that I am inspired to keep up with my own works.
This is going to be your SIXTH year participating! Can you describe your favorite past Fun-A-Day project?
My first Fun-a-Day project is probably my favorite: my theme was the “word of the day” as generated by a dictionary app. There were some pretty challenging words to paint such as withershins (a contrary direction) and meliorism (a doctrine that the world becomes better with human effort) but my favorites to illustrate were caprine (relating to goats) and flit (I painted a bee flitting from flower to flower).
Folks come to Delaware Fun-A-Day for hundreds of reasons. Sometimes it’s to create and stockpile new work, launch a brand or idea, start a movement, build friendships, make more family time, and so on. So tell me, as a veteran Fun-A-Day participant, what’s been your biggest motivation over the years?
Fun-a-Day has been my motivation to do the art that I like doing, it’s something I look forward to do at the end of my day. I love picking a theme and exploring the variations of what that can be, or using a technique that I want to refine. I did two photo exhibits with Fun-a-Day and those motivated me to explore composition, one year was digital patterns/mandalas where I played with color schemes. I think having a project such as this helps me get into a creative mindset and to make time to do the art.
Your 2019 Fun-A-Day “Cardigans” was much loved by other participants because it was so easily relatable. You casually wore a different cardigan each day, took a picture of yourself, and shared those images at the exhibit. From an organizer stand-point your project has been used as a great example of simply having fun each day in a way that can speak to artists and non-artists alike. We’re always striving to emphasize that Fun-A-Day is not “just” for “artists”. Where do you see yourself on the spectrum of artist and non-artist? Do you think such a spectrum exists?
I think there is something about being an artist and continuously challenging yourself to do the work, to constantly create, constantly think about improving the work and the technique, there are definitely times when I, and other artists, will look at a work and know that it is always a work in progress because there is a wanting to perfect it. And there artist who creates for the love of it, to make something enjoyable, without motive. I think I fall somewhere in the middle of these two.
Please describe your 2020 project "Half" wherein you plan to draw “An illustration of half objects or phrases”. This makes me think of the Shel Silverstein story of “The Missing Piece”. Is there some self-reflection in this year’s project? Are you feeling a little less than whole?
That is a deep question! :)
I picked this theme as a nod to things that still have a wholeness, even if they might be considered less than whole, being half of something still has value.
I noticed that you’re vegan, and you naturally have fun posting healthy and yummy looking recipes. Is there a possibility of seeing a future “Vegan Recipe A Day” or “Veggie A Day” project?
I think we just picked my theme for next year! I like both ideas: I could pick a vegetable to celebrate each day and a recipe to go with it.
Having been a vegan myself now for over two years, I’ve come to realize that some folks are a vegan and an artist, and some folks are vegan artists. Which do you see yourself as? Do you feel that your veganness has influenced the types of art tools and products that you use to make your art?
I’m a vegan and an artist. There’s definitely art in cooking and in finding healthy vegan alternatives to non-vegan foods but I have not delved too deep into being a vegan artist as far as cruelty-free art products.
In 2018, you completed a small circular canvas each day. You also moved that month, and although you completed all 31 days, you stated it was a lot to juggle. Was that your most hectic participation year? And as a well-seasoned Delaware Fun-A-Day participant, is there any piece of advice that you believe would be a top priority for any new-comers?
2018 was a challenging year for my Fun-a-Day project. Luckily, I labeled all my art supply boxes well enough so I was able to put together a project while unpacking my life. That was probably my least favorite project, I feel like I didn’t spend the time I wanted to on each mini-canvas.
Where can people see more of your work?
Instagram… I’m not great at posting my work throughout the year… but I also paint at church. I have paintings hanging at The Barn Vineyard Church in Landenberg, PA.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I am so grateful for the Fun-a-Day project and I look forward to all the hard work everyone - participants and organizers - do for this project every year.
If this is your first year, power through the roadblocks, you will find your inspiration along the way. The Fun-A-Day project really is a community where we can share the best and worst experiences going through the project and encourage each other to keep up with the art - even beyond Maker’s Month. Dedicating time to do the Fun-a-Day project is so important, make sure you carve out the time everyday to work on your art. If you can build it into your routine, that helps too. I know the first couple days might be really easy at first, if you keep up the momentum through the month, you won’t even notice how fast the time flies, and you will have created 29 new works.