Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Jackson.
Cara, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in North Carolina, right next to a forest, and I often explored the woods and creek. I was always interested in art and my parents encouraged me to try new things and listen to my instincts. This mutual love of art and nature drove me to attend Appalachian State University, where I earned a BFA. While there, I feel in love with a variety of mediums including painting, ceramics, and screen printing. After graduation I moved to Texas to pursue a career as a graphic designer and enjoy warmer weather. Though I found success as a designer, working for Whole Foods and The Alamo Drafthouse, I never stopped wondering if I could make it as a full-time artist. I finally took the plunge; this has been my first full year of painting and I have already created more art than ever! I’ve learned so much and I’m so excited to see what the future holds.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
While hiking or camping in state parks, I create sketches and take photographs of things I find interesting or beautiful. Once home, I digitally process the images and create outlines which I use to compose paintings. On canvas or panel, I trace the outlines and begin to fill the shapes with flat areas of acrylic paint. Vibrant colors and their relationships become just as important as the subject matter and are chosen carefully, to create a lighthearted mood. My goal is to share the beauty I find in nature with others; to cultivate joy, awe, appreciation, and curiosity through bright, fun imagery.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
My first piece of advice for any artist is to read The Artists Way by Julia Cameron. That book completely changed my life and gave me so much more confidence to put myself out there.
That is a big part of combatting loneliness – you have to share your art and your experience. Look for ways to do that. Put yourself out there. Join or start a group that makes art together. It could be as simple as meeting in a coffee shop to doodle. Look for opportunities to sell and display your work. Group shows are a great way to meet artists and other people involved in the scene. I guarantee that you will feel more confident after you open yourself up.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find and follow me online. My website carajackson.com has a blog you can follow and links to my online shops. I also regularly post on Instagram and Facebook @carajacksonart
I started putting my art and designs on a variety of products on Society6 and Design by Humans, two print-to-order online stores, which make it really easy for artists to offer products without having to handle things like shipping. I get paid every time someone orders from my shop!
society6.com/carajacksonart
designbyhumans.com/shop/CaraJacksonArt/
I also currently have three paintings on display at the Art for The People Gallery in Austin as part of the Let’s Take A Walk group show (until January 26, 2019). There are fifty artists represented in that show, so it is a great place to grab some holiday gifts while supporting the artists.
Contact Info:
- Website: carajackson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carajacksonart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaraJacksonArt/
- Other: https://society6.com/carajacksonart
Image Credit:
Cara Jackson
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