Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikayla Magee.
Hi Mikayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi, I am an artist from Garland, Texas. Growing up, my desire to create was very apparent. My mom took notice of my interest and encouraged me to do what seemed to come naturally to me. She eventually encouraged me to apply to my high schools art program. I didn’t own a sketchbook at the time, but I remember submitting a green folder full of my best work done on several sheets of copy paper. I would say my time as an art student in high school is where I honed my craft, learned to create conceptually, and it was my introduction to art history, contemporary artists, and mediums. Going into college, I initially studied psychology however, I changed my major to communication design after being drawn to the idea of human-centered design. At this time, I had stopped creating art to focus on school. During my junior year of college, I took an oil painting class that challenged me. Oil was a medium I hadn’t worked in and I was determined to learn how to be proficient in it. That semester I was encouraged by my professor and others to change my major to painting. I did not change my major to painting, however that class was the catalyst for my pursuit of art fairs and exhibits after I got my degree in design. I was reminded of how much I loved to paint and was shown that people were actually drawn to the work I create.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the most challenging things for me as an artist is being willing. For a while, I was content with creating for myself and hiding the work in my closet. Previously, I’ve been nudged into position by people in my environment who have noticed my potential. I have the best support system in family, friends, teachers, and strangers, which I am incredibly grateful for. However, other people telling you you’re good at what you do can only get you so far. You have to believe in yourself. When times get hard, you can’t always fall back on someone else’s word to keep you going. So over time, I’ve learned my own “why,” and why I create is simply because I love it. It’s a gift from God. Deciding to pursue art is not easy. It takes a lot of courage to be willing to give your gift and create from a place of vulnerability, but it’s also very rewarding to step into your element.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been a practicing oil painter for about four years, exploring themes of individuality and growth through portraiture. Through my art, I hope to challenge conventional notions of strength and resilience, celebrating the unique qualities that make us all individuals. To me, our most unique human quality is our stories. With each of my paintings story telling plays a big role. I’m particularly drawn to the power of portraiture to capture the complexity of human experience and to create a sense of intimacy and connection between the viewer and the subject. My goal is to contribute to a tradition of art that explores the beauty and layers of the human experience and to use my work and my story to spark conversations about vulnerability.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mikaylamagee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikaylapaints/
Image Credits
Bighat Media
