Margaret Blanchett was raised just a little south of Dallas, TX. Her earliest art influence was a book of old and modern Masters which she was given as a child and looked through often. She was fascinated by the paintings of Matisse, Picasso, and Klimt. She later became interested in the work of Dubuffet, admiring his use of strong colors and quilt like patterns. His portrayal of buildings and repetitive colors and shapes in his paintings exerted a creative influence over Margaret’s work. Other influences include Munch, Basquiat, Schnabel, Miro, Charles Cham of Malaysia, and many little-known naive artists. When asked why she became an artist, Blanchett replies, "I have always been an artist. I have tried not to be at several points in time in my life but that didn’t work out. I love the fact that art has no boundaries and anything is possible, I could never exist as a typical ant in the work force. It is impossible for me to put my heart and focus on petty tasks that do not involve my creative muscles. Being an artist is the only career path that fits me. I have no say so over it.” Blanchett attended Texas A & M College in East Texas (formerly known as East Texas State) and received a Bachelor’s in Arts. She received a BA with honors in Design Communication from the University. The artist currently resides in Hollywood, California. MISTER TOAD FOR MAYOR ANGEL BEAR GOES TO HEAVEN $15.00