Introducing: Theresa Drapkin
Being able to connect with artists whose work I’ve followed for years has been one of the best parts about opening The Willard Gallery. Kingston, New York-based, Theresa Drapkin, is one such artist who I finally had the chance to meet in person this spring after keeping up with her work online for the past seven years. On a drive back to Maine from the city in 2014 I walked into Kingston Wine Co., the wine shop she and her husband Michael own, where I first discovered Theresa’s vivid works in pastel.
Theresa was one of the first artists I approached about this small, non-traditional gallery space and I was thrilled when she agreed to come on board and send along a collection of framed original works in pastel for me to show in Maine. Throughout the summer I watched gallery visitors gravitate to Theresa’s collection of work inspired by 17th century Dutch still life “garland paintings,” and then marvel at the fact that what they were looking at were, in fact, works in pastel.
Theresa’s answers to our Artist Q&A are thoughtful, well said, and full of her beautiful personality that she pours into her pastels - I hope you enjoy learning more about her work and the many artists whose work she greatly admires.
Photo of Theresa by Jamie Kennard.
How did you choose to work in pastel?
I actually don’t have formal training in painting—I studied graphic design and writing at Pratt and for an assignment, decided to paint a small illustration. This was 10 years ago, I was living in a tiny apartment in Manhattan with my husband and black lab. I bought watercolors and pastels, because they seemed like low hanging fruit for an amateur with limited space to make a mess. I completed the assignment with watercolors, but pastels stuck. I subvert their use by color blocking rather than blending. One of the biggest misconceptions about my art is the medium.
What does your process look like?
Growing up, I did a lot of collage—assembling various ephemera into one composition. This technique is what lies behind the still lifes I paint—I study and observe interiors, textiles, body movements, fruit, flora and objects, and then piece those inspirations together to create an original composition. I choose a color palette to work with, turn on music and focus on a piece until completion. Just a few months ago, I transitioned from my full-time job to painting all day, in addition to design work.
Who are your favorite artists?
SO MANY!
Historical: Milton Avery, Clementine Hunter, William H. Johnson, Alice Neel, Louise Bourgeois, Hilma af Klint, Picasso, Jacob Lawrence, the Bloomsbury circle, Cy Twombly, Jane Freilicher, Morandi
Contemporary: March Avery, Mamma Andersson, Lois Dodd, Jordan Casteel, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Henni Alftan, Jennifer Packer, Maira Kalman, Leanne Shapton, Mary Nelson Sinclair, Yvonne Robert, Karin Haas, Nicole Wittenberg, Colleen Herman, Greg Breda, Billie Zangewa.
Name the first work of art that comes to mind - why are you drawn to it?
Lately, I’ve been absorbed in a few pieces by Alex Colville. “Family and Rainstorm” (1955),“Couple on the Beach” (1957), and “Verandah” (1983). His family, seaside homes and pets were his most frequent subjects, and I can relate—with two toddlers, trying to spend as much time by the water as possible.
Tell us about the artwork you have hanging in your home.
On our walls is the work of many of our local friends — an abstract by Julie Hedrick, a Canadian artist who introduced us to Kingston, and whimsical paintings by Emily Isabella and Steven Weinberg. A number of photographs including one of Louise Bourgeois (a favorite artist of mine) by the great, late Robin Holland; one by Jenny Montgomery (which was an art trade!); a self portrait by Carmen Lizardo, originally from the Dominican Republic who makes the best empanadas in Kingston; and several by NYC friend Jamie Beck, who has been camping out in Provence forever now.
What is the origin of the name 10to2?
When I began using pastel in 2012, I was working full time at a nonprofit in NYC. I'm a night owl, so I would make art between 10 pm and 2 am, hence the name "10 to 2." I kept this routine until 2017, when my first daughter was born. Then I needed sleep!
Any up and coming artists who should be on our radar?
Bridgette McNab, Krista Louise Smith, Wendy McDonald, Alvin Armstrong, Kathryn Dolby, Wangari Mathenge.
Favorite museums?
All time fav: Musée National Picasso-Paris.
Local faves: Art Omi, Dia Beacon, Storm King, One Mile
A big thank you to Theresa for taking such care in answering these questions! Be sure to follow along with Theresa’s latest work and her family’s upstate adventures on her Instagram - 10to2. For wine lovers, Kingston Wine Co. ships all over and you can even snag a bottle or two with Theresa’s art on the label - here and here.
