Graphic designer and illustrator by day, extremely talented painter as soon as she finishes her house remodel: Victoria Caldwell, 26, is one of Paducah's up-and-coming young artists. A 20/30 Group regular, Victoria is an always-friendly face in a crowd with a great sense of humor and an energy for excitement. Victoria Caldwell, you are cute, cute, cute, no doubt about it! Did you grow up in Paducah?
Yes, I was born here, and graduated from Heath High School. I left for Washington University in St. Louis, graduated, and ended up back here.
When did you realize you're an artist?
I don't think there was ever a day when I realized it, it's just always been where my interest lies. Even as a little kid, I was always drawing and had a very specific aesthetic eye. I think a lot of that comes from my dad. However, I do remember I was in the gifted and talented art program in middle school, and someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Without thinking, I said I wanted to be a commercial artist. I didn't just want to paint and be expressive, I wanted to make things "look good."
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| Oil painting, sophomore year of college |
And you love oils, right?
Yes, I discovered oil painting in college and loved it. I was amazed at the difference between oils and acrylics. I tend to work pretty slow and deliberate, and oils suit me much better.
I have studio space at Pinecone Art Gallery, but I haven't spent nearly enough time working there lately. I'm remodeling my house, and it always seems like I should really finish painting the breakfast nook first.
Are you planning any shows?Some day. I've got an idea for a series of paintings, I just need to start working on them. I've also talked about maybe doing a joint show with my brother. Maybe next year when he finishes undergrad.
Who's your favorite artist? Why?
I don't think I can pick just one! In walking through an art museum, gallery or even the vendors at the Lowertown Festival, there's always something that speaks to me.
Last weekend, I was in Nashville with friends, and there was a Pissarro at the Frist that I just loved; but minutes earlier, I was looking at some amazing prints at Hatch Show Print. Very different styles, but both really captivated me.
If I were forced to pick a single artist though, I guess I'd pick Magritte. He uses a lot of optical illusions in his paintings, his style is very graphic and the titles add yet another level. I've seen a lot of people walk by his paintings at museums with hardly a glance, but I think trying to figure them out is a good challenge.
Tell us about the 20/30 Group! Why has it been so fabulously successful?
The 20/30 Group is a bunch of people in their – get this, 20s and 30s – who get together to socialize and network. I think most of the people in the 20/30 Group are in a similar situation where we're all dealing primarily with our careers, but still want to be able to relax and have fun.
Do you go to Mix@6 at Di Fratelli, where cute, cute, cute Brian Steffen works, every Wednesday?
Pretty much, it's my opportunity every week to just talk to people and have fun. I guess I'm a regular now. The last time I couldn't make it, several people asked where I was. The action really starts around 8 p.m. I know Mix@8ish isn't nearly as catchy of a name, and I feel sorry for anyone who's shown up at 6 to an empty bar.
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Personal logo for Keith Fritz |
Definitely! In the normal course of my job, I never would have come in contact with most of the people I've met in the 20/30 Group.
I love the business cards you designed for Keith Fritz! What was the occasion?
He got his regular company business cards awhile back, and I just thought they were very unattractive. I told him I could do something better. So I made him his own personal business cards that say rocket scientist and male model! The logo is based on the Buckaroo Banzai movie about a rock star, surgeon, comic-book hero who must stop evil creatures from conquering the 8th dimension. I just thought it was fitting for Keith.
How funny! Speaking of rock star surgeons, tell us about your love life! What kind of fella are you looking for?There's not much of a love life currently, but I'm open to developing one. I think first of all, I'm looking for a guy who has his life together, or is at least working on it. He also needs to have a sense of humor – probably a slightly warped sense of humor. He should be open to new ideas and be understanding of differences. It certainly wouldn't hurt if he were tall. I'm 5'11".
Describe your perfect date!
On a good date, you feel comfortable. I don't think it really matters where, or what, or if costs anything. I want to be able to talk to my date though. I don't like going out where the music is so loud you almost have to scream to say anything. Just something pretty easy-going and casual.
