Meet Jan Clizer, an accomplished fine art painter and fiddler in two local bands: 4 Peace, Americana; and Banna Damhsa, Celtic. A longtime local, Jan’s deep lifelong interest in Celtic culture has found expression through her paintings and music. Driven by this passion, since 2003 she has made numerous visits and extended stays in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Cornwall, researching for paintings, exhibiting, exploring and playing wherever the opportunity pops up. Here on home ground, her friends, close family connections and a large garden put a bit of a dent in creative time — "Good distractions,” Jan says. Jan’s Coeur d'Alene studio will be on the Coeur d'Alene Arts and Cultural Alliance Artists Studio Tour this year, Aug. 19-20. Visit janclizerpainting.com for details and to view her works.

1) What is your first memory of painting or drawing something that made you fall in love with art?

I can’t recall any. Actually, I was strongly discouraged from any kind of art by my mother, who was a seriously frustrated painter. She had an amazing passion for fine art, and I remember we looked at a lot of art books. I must’ve absorbed that. I was permitted to write, and learn music — guitar, violin and piano — but couldn’t draw or paint 'til I left home.

2) How do you feel when you are "in the zone" creating a new piece?

Oh my gosh, it’s quite energizing! Focused, a bit nervous, totally absorbed, enthusiastic … what I really enjoy especially with land and harbor scenes, focusing on the work takes me right back there. Sights, smells, sounds, time of day, weather, temperature, how I was feeling...it’s a bit spooky at times!

3) What do you feel your art communicates to others, either about you, about them or about the world around us?

First, I would hope both my paintings and music encourage people to strengthen their awareness and look around them a little more deeply, to look for more than just an initial impression, or a single genre of music. There’s such a wonderful world of color and shape (art) and note and tone (music) out there! Next my intention is to encourage an interest in culture — not just Celtic, but the culture most significant to each individual. Culture has the potential of adding so much richness and depth to our existence, and for me it feels important to share what is uplifting, grounding and inspirational in each of our lives. And lastly, I hope my art and music will help make someone’s day just a little bit brighter — I know it does for me!

4) What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

The first six years of my life were spent mainly in Bethel, a gold mining camp in the Alaskan interior. My parents met there — the New York-Alaska Dredging Company hired Dad as a maintenance welder on the dredges, and Mother worked as nurse, caring for both the camp and local Inuit Eskimo population. Must’ve been quite an interesting time — wish I could remember it!

5) If you could meet one of your artistic idols alive or dead, who would it be and what would you say to them?

It would be Richard Schmidt, American painter. “My heartfelt thanks for sharing your gifts, your perceptions of the world and life, and your inspiring observations on painting one’s best work."