Today we’d like to introduce you to Mindy Williamson.
Hi Mindy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My creative art experience began at the age of ten when I did face painting for my little sister’s birthday party. From that point on, most everything in my life was art. During high school, I became ill with mononucleosis. Homebound for more than a week, I began to follow some drawing classes on television. As I found myself enjoying the television classes, I began enrolling in some art classes in high school. This was followed by a major in Art at Syracuse University. Utilizing the creative side of my brain, I’ve done work in fashion and the culinary arts. But nothing has been more satisfying than the visual arts.
The art that I have produced prior to turning forty was more technique oriented than really creative and free. I did a lot of pet and people portraits. I began my Pop Portrait collection when I was 37. Prior to that, I had been doing a lot of ink paintings, acrylic paintings that were either simple abstracts or paintings of something, shoes, bags, landscapes, etc.
About a year ago, at age forty, I decided to play with mixed media and for the first time my inspiration and creativity came from inside me and I allowed myself to become free with my art. It always reminds me of the story the woman who approached Picasso in a restaurant and asked him to scribble something on a napkin. She said she would be happy to pay whatever he felt it was worth. Picasso complied and said,
“That will be $10,000”. The astonished woman replied, “But you did that in thirty seconds”. “No”, Picasso replied. “It has taken me forty years to do that…
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 feel like a good comparison to being a visual artist is the same as any other type of art, acting, singing, music, etc…. Only a handful of people will say had a smooth ride or it’s come easy without a struggle. Certain types of art that I have done have been more successful than others such as jewelry, commissioned pieces, pop portraits, fashion paintings, etc. I’ve learned to supplement what sells in order to really be creative as well. I am a realtor as well and focus on apartment locating, however, my art really comes first.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I explained in my story that I really hadn’t let loose with my own ideas and creativity until this past year. I did my first big show, the Art Expo, and made some good connections.
When I started to work outside the box, it seemed to explode in bright colors. I do have a number of mixed media pieces that are tones down, however, I love patterns, letters, numbers, and bright colors. I often accidentally stumble upon a technique that I end up loving. For example, I just finished my third large piece that has a graffiti style with letters and numbers. I had decided to just paint over a giant canvas that I liked. Starting with some spray paint, then letter and number stickers, I kept painting over it. All I was doing was putting layer of paint over what was on the canvas. I had finished it with spray paint and still wasn’t thrilled. I saw a corner of a number sticker and pulled it off. All of the sudden my mind exploded. I continued to dig out the various letters and numbers I had placed and began to add more, paint, and remove them. There is this contrast that I fell in love with that happens with this technique.
I’m in love with these new pieces, they are bright and busy,
I am also venturing on a new collection of wall sculptures using wooden balls and acrylic discs. A friend of mine has a gallery she will be opening in February and I am focusing on a number of pieces for her gallery, Ishi Gallery, which will be in the design district…
I think what sets me apart from other artists is the diversity of my body of work. I have many different collections and am constantly continuing to create more. The difference between the artist I was at 39 and the artist I am now is that I do most of my art for me. If I’m not having fun working on a piece, I will typically take a break and continue perhaps in a different way.
What matters most to you?
Well my husband and family matter most, but second to that is my art. What matters most to me is that I love my work. If I’m unhappy with a piece, it will typically be painted over until I love it or the canvas is no longer usable.
Pricing:
- Prints start at $70
- Original Artworks range from $300-$3500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mindywilliamsonart.com
- Instagram: @mindywilliamsonart
Image Credits
Daniel Polito
