Interview with: Linda O'Neill
November 2025
Linda O'Neill received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1993 from Dominican University in San Rafael, California. She was honored there with an award for outstanding student from the art department. After graduation, she worked as a digital painter on movies and commercials for Lucasfilm. Her work has been featured in numerous juried exhibitions in the USA, and her paintings have been collected in the USA, Canada, and Europe. Linda uses acrylic paints for their quick-drying properties that allow for spontaneity. Her other materials are collage, paint pen, graphite, charcoal, and Caran d'Ache crayon. Always listening to music to distract critical thought, she paints multiple layers that give her paintings stunning depth, texture, and color.
Welcome Linda, first tell us about your background and why you chose to pursue this career.
Do you remember the first artwork that stirred something inside you?
My career has encompassed many aspects of the art world, including photography, design, digital art, photo restoration, and painting. I don't recall a particular artwork that inspired me, but I have loved art since I was a child. I still keep many of my elementary school drawings and paintings, which I cherish to this day. I continue to work towards maintaining that spontaneity and freedom in my art.
What do you think is the most meaningful role an artist plays in society today?
My role as an artist is in meaningful expression. I want to connect deeply with viewers, evoking emotions and thoughts that resonate beyond the surface. Meaningfulness comes from the interaction between my artistic intent and the viewer’s interpretation, creating a shared space for reflection and feeling. In my work, elements like color and composition invite multiple meanings, especially in abstract forms that encourage viewers to bring their own stories and emotions. Art serves many different purposes; comfort, inspiration and challenge to name a few. I value how my artwork can touch a person's soul and spark inner dialog. Success for me is measured by moments when someone feels seen or moved through the art.
Does spirituality or a connection to something larger than yourself influence your creative process?
My journey into the spiritual realm is something I experience when painting, especially larger abstracts. When I'm working, I feel a sense of being part of something much larger—a universal energy that guides my brush beyond conscious control. Before beginning a piece, I let go of expectations and create a space where my subconscious can glide freely. I allow myself to be present and receptive, trusting the flow of the painting as it unfolds naturally. Music helps me do this. Of course, there is also conscious decision-making regarding color and composition along the way. I have also sensed spiritual guidance from those close to me who have passed. It brings a sacred dimension to my work and inspires me to embrace mystery and trust the unknown. Trust is essential both in creating and sharing my art and I invite viewers to bring their own meaning that inspires healing and understanding.
Do academic institutions still play a vital role in shaping artists today, or has selftaught creativity disrupted this tradition? The role of formal education in art maintains its importance, particularly in teaching foundational elements such as composition and color theory. Art schools provide structured environments where artists can explore various mediums, delve into art history, and dedicate more time to developing their unique styles. This fosters growth through exposure to a wide range of techniques and concepts that self-taught artists might not encounter independently. Self-taught artists offer immense value comparable to that of academically trained artists. Many self-taught artists display remarkable talent and originality without the benefit of formal instruction, demonstrating that creativity can definitely be nurtured outside traditional academia. On the other hand, academic settings due provide a framework for consistent critique and feedback that are essential in refining artistic skills and pushing creative boundaries. Both academic and self-taught creativity hold significant value within the art world. Formal education, along with self-taught artists, enrich the art community with fresh perspectives and demonstrates that creativity transcends traditional pathways. Supporting these diverse ways of expression strengthens our entire cultural landscape.
Who are your favorite artists, and who are the ones that built your creative imaginary?
My artistic journey is deeply shaped by a diverse group of artists spanning different movements and methodologies. Several of my influences include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cy Twombly, Joan Mitchell, Richard Diebenkorn and Nathan Olivera, as well as the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Each of these artists have contributed qualities and techniques that impact my work in unique and meaningful ways. Leonardo da Vinci’s engineering and mathematical drawings transformed my perception of shapes and line. His use of geometry reveals a connection between art and science that challenges the boundaries of creativity. Studying his process led me to view lines not only as expressive tools but also as structural elements that can suggest movement, balance, and complexity within a composition.
We are at the end of this short interview, would you like to add something about your artistic research?
How did you find the collaboration with our gallery?
Florence Contemporary is a leading gallery in the world of contemporary art. I continue to be grateful for their support and inspired by their patronage of artists who challenge the status quo.