FALLS VILLAGE — “Can a couple married over 50 years speak to each other civilly?”
That was the opening of a public conversation between artist Kathy Wismar and her husband, writer CB Wismar, at the David M. Hunt Library on Saturday, March 16. There were about a dozen people in attendance.
Kathy Wismar’s paintings and pottery are on display at the library through April 13.
The artist was asked how she got started.
“Desperation,” she said. In the early 1970s, the Wismars, then living in Los Angeles, had a small child. Kathy Wismar and a friend who also had small children were “both going crazy.”
So they decided to take ceramics classes at a place called The Pot Farm.
“And we both became potters.”
Kathy Wismar said The Pot Farm offered lessons, had a gallery in the front of the building, and provided a sense of community.
That prompted CB Wismar to ask about the importance of community for an artist, as opposed to an artist operating alone.
Kathy Wismar said when working alone “you’re in your own head all the time.”
Regular contact with other artists provides some balance and the opportunity to receive feedback.
CB Wismar asked how Kathy Wismar got started in painting.
She said that pottery is a long process, while painting is more immediate.
How does she go about creating a painting?
“I don’t start with an idea of what the painting will be. I just start putting paint on.”
She added: “Sometimes I’ll bring one home, flip it over and it looks better.”
She was asked about her use of texture in her paintings.
She said that she uses acrylic paint, and often she just adds more.
She also makes use of materials that are at hand, like packing materials and coffee grounds.
“So a major influence is Starbucks?” her husband quipped.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
A ceramic vase by Kathleen Heidemann.Provided 
Joy Brown’s delightful ceramic sculptures.Provided 
