MJ : You said earlier you are currently painting every instrument of the orchestra with musician models from around the world . What inspired you to do this ?
Vemer : I ’ m doing it because that ’ s the world I know . No one in the history of painting has done a project like this as far as I know — a project meaning a classical musician creating classical paintings of an entire orchestra .
MJ : On your Artavita bio ( see link at the end of this article ) you mention that music and art both require certain traits and disciplines . Please tell us about that .
Vemer : Setting and achieving LONG range goals step by step is important for learning how to play the violin and to paint . So is seeking out mentors , books , and likeminded artists .
MJ : Who are some of your musical role models ?
Vemer : The musicians are too numerous to mention all of them , but I have performed on stage with violinists : Menuhin , Perlman , Zuckerman , and Ricci , as well as pianists : Van Cliburn , Watts , and Olson , and singers : De Los Angeles , Pavarotti , Leontyne Price , etc . They were all amazing .
MJ : What inspires you ?
Vemer : Good art and music and seeing them both in person — online for both just doesn ’ t cut it for me .
MJ : What was the last concert you attended in person ?
Vemer : Probably the Oregon Symphony last March . I go to all their concerts .
MJ : When did you last visit a museum or gallery ?
Vemer : A few weeks ago , I visited the Portland Arts Museum before it reclosed due to the pandemic .
MJ : How are you doing during the pandemic ?
Vemer : I ’ m doing great ! Playing the violin is always a solo endeavor , you know ? Yes , I
go out and teach and play , but the bulk of the work is done from home or in the studio and now I have more time than ever to do my projects .
The project I ’ m currently working on had me contacting musicians from across the world during the lockdowns and since they are all unemployed , they talk to me . Most have agreed to let me paint them as part of my series . It ’ s unbelievable . So , it has been good for me because the big challenge was finding the time to do it .
These are extremely time-consuming things , the arts , whether it be painting , music , dance , whatever . It ’ s hard to carve that time out in real life . I ’ m one of the lucky ones ! I have been able to stay in my home and pursue a project , so I know how blessed I am . I don ’ t take it for granted at all .
If you would like to see more of Randall Vemer ’ s artwork or performances , please visit :
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