Name: Piper Strong
Age: Yes! 57
Hometown: Hydesville
How would you describe yourself in three words? Visual, outgoing, athletic
What’s something not a lot of people know about you? Really afraid of snakes, but everyone knows that!
How do you start your day? Kisses, feed cat, coffee
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life? Ski Mont Blanc right down the face
What’s your favorite food? Sushi and chocolate
Do you have a day job? Sometimes, ski coach
What medium do you work in? Mixed, metals
Why this medium? It’s challenging and physical plus it requires some skills I have doggedly worked at
What inspired you / how did it start? Art History, Myth
Do you have a process for creating? Sketches, lots of drawing, cutting, hammering, welding.
When are you the most inspired / what’s your favorite time of day to work? Sunny days
Which artists inspire you? Van Gogh, Botticelli, D. Smith, O’Keefe, L. Nelson
What do you listen to when you work? Jazz, Motown, RNB, VPR
What are your thoughts on being an artist in Rutland? Artists are very spread out in VT. Can be pretty lonely, connect through shows
What’s your earliest memory of making art in Rutland? Been doing Chaffee Art in the Park for decades
Why do you think artists are attracted to Rutland? VT is easy living and space is important, plus beautiful country
Which arts organizations in town are you involved with and how has it impacted you? Chaffee, Southern VT Art, Fletcher Farm
What’s your favorite art exhibit/project you’ve seen in Rutland? Chaffee and Fletcher
What would you like to see for the future of the arts in Rutland? Positive. Hope to keep making art.
Scroll down to meet more Vermont Creatives as they answer 22 QUESTIONS with writer, Janelle Faignant.
