Pamela's Journey

 

Can you tell us about yourself?

I was born and raised in New York. I later moved to Connecticut for a few years then pursued college in Boston. I got married, had a son and spent 18 years running my own art studio.

I went to college for a degree in business then in my 40’s I went back to get my BS in Art Therapy and minor in Fine Art.  I was mostly a self-taught artist taking art instructions from professional artists, taking classes at Boston Museum of Art and other art centers. Going back to school I learned more traditional art which helped me focus on detail and strong drawing skills. I stayed in Massachusetts for 20 years. Four years ago, I moved to Utah. I now teach art part time at Eccles Art Center in Ogden UT and teach art to underprivileged kids at Youth Impact of Ogden.  It’s been a diverse and fulfilling journey.

When did your artistic journey begin?

I have always loved art at a young age and it has been a consistent thread in my life. From creating decorative items like sweatshirts and jean jackets to embroidered socks to painting furniture in my youth. Then in my late thirties, I was asked to take over teaching an art class, so I decided why not and that is how my teaching career began.  

This marked a turning point, leading me to take my art more seriously.  I started attending art fairs, juried art shows, craft fairs, did commission work, charity donations, collaborations, and sold my art in small gift shops. Through these venues It gave me the opportunity to network myself. 

Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?

I did, I was teaching at my studio for a few years when I decided to go back to school for Art Therapy. I was able to earn a BS in less than three years, which led me to stop creating my own art; instead, it transitioned into becoming homework.   

After that my art started to improve and I was able to confidently sell my work. 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received as an artist?

Approach your art as if it’s an experiment. This way you won’t be disappointed with the outcome.

Also paint for yourself, not what you think people want.

What inspires you?

Living in Utah my background is snow covered mountains, state and national parks that are beaming with all sorts of beautiful landscapes, textured terrain and vast sky and Bison. My art can range from landscapes to surrealism, mixed media to animals.  I can be a very serious artist or be very whimsical and funky. I don’t really have a particular “style” . I paint what inspires me in the moment. 

How do you balance your personal life and your art practice?

I get anxious when I can’t paint or draw something every day.  Work, family, life in general can stifle that so I tend to wake up early and try to do one thing that will ease that anxiety. I also play a game with myself that if I get all my housework done my reward is spending time in my studio the rest of the day.

What are you struggling with right now?

Finishing up all the paintings I started last year.

Keeping my art studio clean.

What are your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

My goals are to finish up all the paintings I started last year and to continue to network on social media and to keep working on this blog. 

What are you working on at this moment?

Disco balls, I have a few paintings I started of disco balls with crows.
I’m becoming obsessed!

I have been invited to do my own art show in Salt Lake City, so I am trying to get all my paintings ready. 

What is your biggest challenge of being an artist?

Putting myself out there on social media. 

Selling my work on Etsy.

Finding new venues to sell my art. 

Finding the time to do it all.

My website

My instagram