Today I’d like to share an interview with Jacquie Williamson, a beautiful mixed media artist living in Tennessee. We met through Flying Lessons, an e-course sponsored by artist Kelly Rae Roberts.
Do you remember when you first really started to enjoy creating things?
I’ve always enjoyed creating things. It seems like I’ve always gone and tried that latest trend whenever something new came out, however, I never really found the thing that sang to me. The one thing that I was drawn to every day until last summer. I lost my job in May, Cinco de Mayo to be exact. I was so tired of working in an office and dealing with all of the crazy stuff that I’ve had to deal with over the years. Not to mention, I’m not really built to sit behind a desk all day. I had been drawn to Kelly Rae’s work. Every time I saw her in a magazine, I made sure I bought it. Then, in June, I saw her book. Of course I bought it. Once I started reading it, I learned that she had only been painting for two years when she wrote the book. A light bulb went off. You know what? I can do it too. So I looked through her tutorials and tried one out. That’s when I found out that mixed media is what I’m meant to be doing, and I haven’t looked back. I have incorporated some of the other things I’ve learned to do into the products I offer. It helps feed that need to do other things like make jewelry.
Who are some artists that have inspired you or are still inspiring you along your creative journey?
Wow, there are so many. It seems like I’m finding new ones almost every day. Kelly Rae (of course), Tam at Willowing, Suzi Blu, Flor Larios, Andrea T Sieler, Juliette Crane, Paulette Insall, Sharon Tomlinson, Megan Suarez, Traci Bautista, Adriana Almanza, Lisa Ferrante, Jodi Ohl, Katie Berggren, and my latest finds Tracy Verdugo and Danita. Sorry there are so many, but these girls are just awesome.
Do you have a muse or an inspiration that helps you with your creations and design?
Actually, I have no muse. I do sketches first, and I just sit and do sketches when I feel like it. When I’m ready to paint, I just pick out a sketch that I like. I do spend a lot of time on artists’ blogs though. They inspire me a great deal. I love to see what other people are doing. I have taken bits and pieces of many of the artists who inspire me and worked them into my style.
If you could have lunch with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be and why?
I’m a Libra, so it’s really hard to pick just one, but if I had to, it would be Oprah. She’s such an inspiration. I feel like there is so much I could learn from her.
If you weren’t an artist, what do you think you’d do for a living?
Well, I guess I would be an accountant, because that’s what I used to do as my “day” job. I really just kind of fell into it. It wasn’t by choice. If I were to choose something besides artist, it would be interior designer.
What is your favorite quote, motto or affirmation?
Follow your bliss! I have to say this is what I aspire to do.
Do you have a community of other artists or friends/family members who you consider to be supportive of your creative endeavors?
My husband is quite supportive of my dreams. He is a musician and fellow Libra, so he knows exactly what I’m going through. He knows what it’s like to have creative dreams. My mother is also quite supportive. She enjoys my work and shares it with anyone she can. I have met a couple of local artists recently (one of whom is a fellow flier). They have both been great. I can ask them any question I need to, and they are more than happy to answer.
If you have an afternoon free, all by yourself, what would your dream day look like?
Our city is so beautiful and filled with parks. There are so many artists here too. First, I would probably go to several little shops and galleries. Then, I would take my journal to the park, pick a nice table by the river and sketch and paint the rest of the day in peace and quiet.
Do you have any favorite blogs you enjoy reading and would you share them with us?
Hmmmm. You probably don’t have time for them all, so here are a few.
www.willowing,org
Ok. That’s enough. I know I left out a bunch. There are just too many out there.
Do you have any future dreams or goals that you are working on or dreaming about?
Now that I have taken Kelly Rae’s class, I have a huge list of goals. Now that I know it’s possible even for me, the sky is the limit. The immediate things I am working toward are: working on growing my online presense, making a full-time income with my art, get my daughter in pre-school, illustrate a children’s book, get published in mixed media magazines and have a beautiful studio in my backyard. Another goal (a major one) is to inspire others with my work and accomplishments. I want to be someone my daughter can look up to and be proud to call her mommy.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who truly want to live a creative life?
The best advice I can give is try to overcome your fears. Sit down and make a list of everything you want to do with your life and get to work on them. (I should probably listen to myself right now). If you get side tracked, don’t let it stop you. Just pick up where you left off and keep going.
I would love to thank Jacquie so much for letting me interview her and giving us all a peek into her life. Her paintings are amazing and so uplifting and an inspiration for many of us. I think she's already making her daughter proud!
