Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?
Hi I’m Meg Bandarra, a Northampton artist who works with the medium of soft pastel. My paintings are generally landscapes from around the Valley and Cape Cod, as well as urban nightscapes from Northampton and Amherst. I like to paint outside (called en plein air) whenever possible, even at night. You can find me and my work on Instagram @megbandarra or on my website megbandarra.com
Tell us about some other jobs you have had other than being an artist.
The last job I had before becoming a full-time painter was as the Commercial and Design Director for The World of Eric Carle brand. My job was to make sure Eric Carle’s wonderful illustrations were properly used on licensed products like toys, games, and clothing from around the world. The most unusual job I’ve ever had was in college, when I worked for a museum as part of the overnight camp-in staff. I ran science and craft activities for large groups, and got to sleepover in the museum, which was a lot of fun.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your process/creating/teaching? Has anything surprised you about adjusting to this pandemic?
Covid-19 definitely changed how I create and teach art. I used to paint outside with a group of artists, and frequently worked in crowded downtown locations. Since covid I’ve stopped painting outside and moved all my classes and workshops online. The biggest surprise was how easily classes transitioned from in-person to online. The core of classes hasn’t changed, and in some ways online has actually been better. Students get a closer view of my easel, friends who live in different states have been able to take workshops together, and I don’t have to cancel classes when it snows.
Favorite or most inspirational place in the Valley?
My favorite place to paint in the Valley is probably the Moody Bridge Road area, near the federal wildlife refuge in Hadley. The skies, and field to mountain views are always inspiring. It’s also a great spot to see both undeveloped natural areas, as well as agriculture scenes. It’s the perfect place to observe seasonal changes in the landscape.
What superpower would you have and why?
If I could have a superpower I would definitely want it to be telekinesis. The ability to move objects or levitate using just your mind seems like the coolest thing. I’d want to give hands-free painting a try, and use my power of levitation to paint from better vantage points. Cleaning my studio would also be faster and a lot more fun. But if I actually had telekinesis, I’d probably wouldn’t be able to make art because I’d be too busy saving people and thwarting evil like all the other superheroes.