Meet Linda Maxson | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Linda Maxson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Linda, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For me, risk is motivating. It’s how breakthroughs happen. Exploring and challenging myself and the mediums that I work with is exciting, but it can be risky.

I work in several mediums, but my favorite is clay. It provides the biggest challenges and the most satisfaction when something new actually works! I’m constantly experimenting by adding different materials like paper or cotton to the clay or by trying new finishes on fired pieces.

In my 2-D work, combining different materials like burlap and clay on the canvas have resulted in an organic, textural effect that continues to intrigue me. I can’t help but ask myself, “what if….?”

It’s not just the creative side where risk plays a part in my career. When my husband and I opened a gallery/studio we were definitely taking a risk. We keep growing and trying new things. Some work, some don’t. What that means for visitors is something new and original every time they visit.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Having worked many years for a global corporation, I learned a lot about business and work discipline. It wan’t until I made the decision to leave that job to pursue a career as an artist that I truly appreciated what those years taught me. It helped when facing some of the challenges of opening a gallery/studio.

The interaction that happens when people visit the studio is extremely important to me. It encourages people to ask questions and experience fresh new perspectives. For me, it’s also inspirational. Just as I encourage open dialogue about the art, while creating, I strive to enhance, rather than control the medium, allowing each piece to take on a life of its own.

Some of my most exciting work resulted from collaborations with collectors. One piece in particular involved making over 50 ceramic shapes that, once they were hung, formed a reclining figure. The entire piece was over 5’ tall by 14’ wide.

Art is my voice. Whatever the medium, I strive to capture the emotion and energy I feel when creating a piece. I feel that this gives my work an expressive energy that speaks to others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If it was a Desert X year, we would definitely spend a couple of days visiting the art installations.

I would start with a day in Palm Springs visiting the art museum, then spend the day downtown with lunch at Spencers then back home for a relaxing afternoon at the pool.

Another day would be spent exploring the galleries at Perez Road and the Backstreet Art District. It’s a great way for them to visit with local artists.

Of course, we would have to have a day of hiking, including Taquitz Canyon and Indian Canyon, followed by a casual lunch at Las Casuelas in Rancho Mirage.

Joshua Tree park would take up another day, returning through the high desert with a bite to eat at Pappy and Harriet’s.

It’s always fun to take visitors to Shield’s for a taste of dates and to visit the kitschy gift shop.

After all that, they will want to just kick back with a cocktail and enjoy our blue skies and sunshine!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have helped me get to this point in my life.

I think I’m a combination of my Mom, who was the MacGyver of creativity and my Dad who was an example of a master craftsman. Between the two of them, I learned to find nonconventional ways to solve a problem and always give my all.

My husband, Greg and my son, Aaron are so supportive and encouraging. I can always count on their honesty and fresh perspective when it comes to my work or a new idea. Greg is always right there beside me ready to take on something new.

Teachers and mentors have played a huge part in my life. Gina Dominique, my art history professor, taught me how to “see” art. I have also been fortunate to study under the direction of artists like Mitch Lyons, John Nelson, Jeff Stellges and Kay Henkel, who not only taught me the technical aspects of working with different mediums, but also encouraged me to push myself creatively.

Fellow artists play a big part in my life. Debi Grupe, Lucius Lamar, Keith Skipton, Chris Hassett and so many others. I feel so fortunate to live in such a great art community with artists, art lovers and collectors as well.

Website: Maxsonart.com

Instagram: @maxsonart

Facebook: Maxsonartgallery

Youtube: Maxson art

Image Credits
Daniel James Ryan Photography