The woman well known for Flowers into Paintings created hundreds of pieces from pressed flowers before striking out in a new direction.
Friday, Aug. 2, 2013
By Amanda Bedgood
Missy Cannon is a nature lover. The woman well known for Flowers into Paintings created hundreds of pieces from pressed flowers before striking out in a new direction. It was a bold move to leave a successful business for the freedom of following her heart. A move that's proven wise. Her latest collection filled with that love of nature can be found at Mixology in the Oil Center.
What inspires you?
Over the years, I have been inspired by nature in most of my work.
Most recently, we moved out to Scott where I have been overwhelmed with the peacefulness of the open land, and most of all, the sky that seems to go on forever. The clouds are amazing to me, and I seem to get lost in them when I sit outside and take in the view. Because of this, I tend to start most of my paintings with the sky and let the painting unfold from there. This was the starting point for my current show on display at Mixology.
How has your work changed over time?
For many years, I had my business, Flowers Into Paintings, and I created thousands of commissioned paintings for local customers as well as for people across the country. In these paintings, I used pressed flowers from weddings and other occasions. When I felt the need to do something different, I was pulled between the successful business I created and the freedom to follow my heart. It was a very tough decision because of the risk of closing my business. But I soon realized that it was the right choice. I am painting from my heart and sharing the amazing view of nature that I am so blessed to have.
How did you get started?
I graduated in 1999 from UL Lafayette with a BFA in painting. During that time, I was most influenced by the late Elemore Morgan.
He gave me some very valuable advice that stuck with me, and I strive to use it in everything I create. He told me that I needed to "Be in the painting, not outside looking in." It is now, at this time in my career, that I actually get it. That mind set changes everything about the art I create.
What's next for Missy?
That is the best part of my new path - it is wide open. I go into my studio each day and create whatever is in my heart at that time. I try to do what makes me excited and passionate at that moment. I know that if I am painting from that state of mind, then it is what I am supposed to do. I believe that the most valuable thing about art is the intention and truth behind it. I know that if I stay true to who I am and what I believe in, I will create art that is meaningful and full of passion. I don't want to limit myself to one thing, so I am experimenting with different mediums and having a blast doing it. Sometimes I just make a big mess, but I know that having the courage to step out of my safe harbor will open new doors for me. I am so excited about what the future holds.