We were lucky to catch up with Sydney Wilson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sydney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I began creating art from a very young age. I was always surrounded by theatre, art and music within my family and they really fostered that love of the arts. My dad was an actor and a musician (these things have had a profound influence over the subject of my art) and my cousin as well as my late maternal grandmother and late uncle were the artists. They really nurtured my love of creating and were all instrumental in how art would become part of my life. My uncle Terry bought me my first real set of art supplies for Christmas when I was 13 and stayed up all night drawing and painting with me. That was probably the most important moment for me as an artist. He saw my love and potential and encouraged me in such a big way. When he passed away I inherited a lot of his art supplies. Having that piece of him was so important to me. I painted almost every day and painted through the grief and sadness and used art as a way to escape and to heal. I felt like this is when I truly became an artist. My family has been the driving force of me becoming the artist I am. I create art because I simply have to, it is part of my soul, but it is because of their unwavering love and support that I am able to continue to work and create the way I do.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Sydney Wilson. I am a TX based artist/illustrator. I work mainly in watercolor, pencil, and ink, but I have been known to dabble in oil and acrylic. I grew up in a house where there was always music, and my parents were heavily involved in the theater. I was an actress before I was an artist. I developed a deep love of costumes and fantasy. These are two key themes in my art. I also love fairytales and fairytale illustration. Before many of us learn to read, it is art and pictures that delight, communicate, and fascinate. I always wanted my art to feel like those illustrations I loved so much as a child, magical and transportive. I think as we age we lose some of our imagination and sense of whimsy and it is my pleasures to get to create that for myself and others. I would not say my art is groundbreaking or anything but I would hope that it speaks to people and helps them tap into a part of themselves that can appreciate beauty for beauty’s sake.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist, is sharing it with people who connect with it. It sounds obvious since that is part of why art exists but I have struggled most of my life with imposter syndrome. I experience such feelings of inadequacy as an artist and it has effected my self esteem and the value I place on myself and my art. . As artists, we put a piece of ourselves out in to the world for people to pick apart at their leisure. I create art that I would have loved when I was young. The kind of art that allows you to day dream and escape into a fantasy world outside of whatever hardships you may be experiencing. I use my art to heal and nurture my inner child. the truth is though, I struggle to completely like my own art. For a long time I did not think my art was “real” art. That people would look at it and see all the flaws. My flaws. I let that crippling fear keep me from sharing my art with the world. One day I just could not deny myself anymore and I signed up for my first art market. I was absolutely floored by the wonderful reception my art received. I could never have imagined that so many people would appreciate what I created. I feel so honored that I get to do what I do and that I can create a special moment on paper that means something to a stranger. It has been a boost for my confidence and good for my soul.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I would say it is probably the same as every artist out there. Just to be able to do it. I would love to be a self sufficient artist without the fear of starvation. But I am constantly learning and growing as a person and as an artist so I do not really have a long term mission or goal beyond having the time and freedom to make my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theartofsydneywilson.wixsite.com/pumpkingirlstudio
• Instagram: Pumpkingirlstudio
• Facebook: Pumpkingirlstudio

Image Credits
Pumpkin Girl Studio