Today we’d like to introduce you to Avery James.
Hi Avery, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Avery James, aka Subpartist, and I am a queer emerging artist in Dallas. When I am not creating art, I work full time as a speech language pathologist. I chose the name ‘Subpartist’ because I have not been “formally trained” but I am proud of the art I create and know that my work as an artist is not dependent on formal education. I was raised by a very talented artist for my entire childhood, my mom. I took art every year in school up until I graduated high school. One lesson in freshman art class was origami. I learned about Senbazuru the traditional Japanese practice of folding 1,000 origami cranes. I then taught myself origami and proceeded to fold 1,000 cranes. I practiced this during a low point in my life and it gave me comfort to have something to focus on. Senbazuru gave me patience and joy. This became the inspiration for my origami crane earrings and they became the first product for purchase on my online shop. After high school, I was not confident in my abilities enough to pursue art full time so I looked into speech pathology. I lost myself as an artist in college and graduate school. Once I finished school and moved to Dallas I aimed to focus more of my energy on art. Within the past two years, I have started to take myself seriously as an artist. I now proudly refer to myself as artist. I have had the pleasure of having my art displayed in the Oak Cliff art walk for two years in a row and I officially launched my online store in 2025.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road. However, I have amazing supporters in my life. The hardest thing was finding my voice. I didn’t discover my sexuality until I was in my early 20s and was also diagnosed with depression at that time. I had no idea who I was or what I wanted to say in my art. Then it took many years of staying in the closet to finally be comfortable with who I am. I was then able to create without any barriers and my voice finally came through. I’ve had to overcome the idea that I’m only an artist if my work sells. There were times I let that idea drive my creative process. Instead of creating for me, I was trying to create what other people would want to buy. I learned that doesn’t work. I’ve tried appealing to the masses with my jewelry and none of it sells, what does sell are my classic origami crane earrings. I think any artist that is not a full time artist has the same struggle, time. Working 40 hours a week to pay the bills doesn’t always leave extra time for creating. I have to be mindful of how long it’s been since I last sketched or painted. Another struggle is being an emerging artist. It can be really hard to get your name out there when there are so many amazing creatives in Dallas. There’s a tough competition but it also pushes you to be better, educate yourself, and refine your practice. The biggest challenge was taking myself seriously as an artist. I’m proud to say that I know my worth as an artist. I learned you don’t need to wait for someone else to call you an artist. If you feel like an artist, then you are.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I primarily draw and paint. I use colored pencil, markers, and pens for my drawings. I primarily use oil and acrylic and love the use of complimentary colors. In my work, I explore my personal journeys with sexuality, gender, and mental health. I am most inspired by surrealism and try to incorporate this style in my work. I love exploring new forms of art so I also practice ceramics and screen printing when time allows. I sell handmade earrings and pet portraits on my website. The pet portraits have been the most popular item this year. My paintings can also be purchased through my website and I offer prints.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Your perception of yourself is all that matters. Don’t cater to everyone else if it’s not true to you. You have to put yourself out there. Dallas has a great art scene and artist community if you get yourself involved.
In my day job as an SLP in early intervention I also serve as a case manager. I help all of my 20+ families find whatever they need, food, diapers, insurance, anything under the sun. For a while I took those burdens on myself and it was exhausting. Sometimes there aren’t any resources to give and it feels like you failed the family. I’ve had to learn that me showing up and doing my best for them is all I can do. There are so many things out of my control and those aren’t burdens for me to carry. I’ve spent a lot of time this year making sure that all of the therapists in our agency know that and to focus on taking care of themselves.
Pricing:
- Origami crane earrings- $20
- Pet portraits- $40
- Original paintings- $350-$600
- Prints- $50- $75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://23f6ff-ab.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subpartist?igsh=aXU5cXgwZHg0d243&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Headshot done by Thoughts and Days media studio
https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsanddays?igsh=ank3a3pwYjdlaGlv
