Jim Steele (JS) – Today, I’m fortunate enough to have a conversation with Pamela Bliss. I went out on a limb, and cold called her for an interview while she was busy working on her latest mural of John Mellencamp in downtown Seymour, Indiana, which has quickly become the talk of the town. I’d use “The Small Town”, but I’m trying oh so hard to keep this on an even keel, and the fact of the matter is that Pamela has been out and about for many years. She’s arguably one of the most accomplished artists I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, and I appreciate her time and her talent. Through her work, she has helped to make this town, State, country, and even places beyond our shores a brighter place to live. Thanks for taking some time Pamela.

JS – I suppose the first thought I have is to start at the beginning and ask- how long have you painted; and what type of art, or discipline, did you first begin to pursue?  

Pamela Bliss (Pamela) – I’ve been painting for about 30 years. I’ve always drawn or painted in realism. I typically paint highly detailed and very literal. However, I will be attempting some other forms this winter when my schedule slows down.

JS – When did you kind of settle in on murals, and at what point did you reach what we all would term as a “professional status”?

Pamela – I painted some cartoon type of murals early on for some schools. But 23 years ago, I was approached about painting a mural of a large-scale jazz band in eastern Indiana. I was asked to do another and then another so it snowballed into full-time. So initially I was a part-time professional painter and now I am full-time. 

Continue reading →