Meet Claudia Roulier: Artist

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

Hi Claudia, how do you think about risk?
I am a risk taker at least to some degree, maybe not the all in 101% but I think I’m at least 90-95% in. This probably happened because early in my life I was presented situations where I had no where to go but to go forward, suck in a deep breath, say a short prayer, and step off the metaphorical ledge. I had a rough time in my twenties but with two small kids I had to think of them and move forward. I have found that with risk there is often reward, the unknown is also exciting, so I like to keep peeking around the next corner. Eventually all things work out, some better than others but that’s life…….. taking risk is better than complaining all the time and spinning your wheels and going no where fast. I think that attitude has pushed me forward in my art and pushed me to explore what I think are new and exciting ideas even though they may not be mainstream.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I paint and draw along with assemblage sculpture. Some of my favorites are my large sculptures they are electronic dystopian pieces using movies and life size taxidermy forms they were very complicated and immense fun for me to do. Over this last year I was concentrating more on my drawing skills trying to get them back to where they were. I was shocked to see my drawing style had totally changed from my school days, not sure why I was shocked but I was! Early on I thought I could join several co-ops to kind of make up lost time while I was raising my family. But nothing seems to take the place of putting in the time and nothing is easy if you don’t work your ass off or at least that’s my experience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a little tough for me since I live in the hills but of course I would take them to the Zoo, Museum of Science and Natural History, Art Museum. Probably a concert at Red Rocks and a race at Bandimers which is near where I live. So may good places to eat and drink and so many specialized craft breweries that would be tough to pick just one. But for sure hiking in the mountains around where I live is a must…… The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Well I hate to mention people because there are so many people who have befriended me and helped me that I would feel awful if I left someone out. I have been so lucky to know so many fabulous artists in Denver. The one person who influenced me early in my art life was a teacher I had in school who really pushed me to excel he was the type of teacher that you you either loved or hated, he taught at Metro his name was Craig Marshall Smith. If he hadn’t shoved me along I don’t think I’d be where I am. The other “organization” is actually the Denver co-ops. I belonged to several and they were invaluable in helping me understand art as a business not just a passion, I have met so many fine and talented artists throughout my years in co-ops I really can’t say enough about them. I think they were a good fit for me but of course not for everyone.

Website: www.claudiaroulier.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/croulier/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-roulier-3999b5a/
Twitter: @croulier
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claudia.roulier/

Image Credits
just me my photos