ARTIST SHARES INSPIRATION TO CREATE

Storytelling has been at the center of culture for centuries. Through stories, we learn things like family secrets, local history, or life lessons.

It turns out being the storyteller can be just as satisfying as being the listener. Just ask Miya Sukune, the artist behind “Get Together,” the exhibit currently on display in the MHCC Fireplace Gallery.

Sukune identifies the challenge of telling a story with a still portrait as being a big motivation in her work. Aside from the challenge of storytelling, she finds satisfaction in the act of creating something that is entirely her own.

While she does occasionally “tip the hat to an ‘Old Master’ or brilliant book,” her ideas are her own compositions, she explained.

Books and preceding artists are not Sukune’s only inspiration in art. Seasons also play a role in what she is painting at specific times of the year. Last year, she did a series of small paintings that capture Mount Rainier at sunset. The light and color change very quickly, and each day is unique with this subject, she said. She’s already looking forward to another summer of capturing water and mountain scenes.

When she first began painting in 2011, Sukune didn’t feel like her oil painting was good enough to call herself an artist yet. However, she believed herself to be an artist long before she finally took on that label, professionally.

Being an artist is not all fun and paint, though. In the time that she isn’t actively creating art, Sukune must handle what she calls the “administrative side.” These duties include submitting applications for residencies, competitions, and shows. In her true free time, she enjoys reading, visiting with friends, and taking walks through the forest.

Sometimes, as an artist, Sukune hits a mental block. In that case, she takes some time off. Sometimes, she might try creating with a different medium, or going to a museum, or people-watching at a diner.

“The more you do and the more you see – you’re expanding your knowledge and experience base,” she said. “That’s where your art comes from.”

To any future artists out there, Sukune recommends making art every day. She said she believes that even if you don’t have time to do much, even small art every day will help you learn how to articulate your ideas through art. And if you do plan to make art your career, the best advice she said she received after graduating art school was to constantly have an exhibit lined up. This way, even when things get chaotic in life, you will have an extra nudge to put work out, she said.

Sukune’s “Get Together” exhibit can be found in the Fireplace Gallery, inside the Student Union, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays (until 5 p.m. on Fridays). The exhibit will be on display through June 11.

To see more art by Miya Sukune check her website: miyasukune.com.