Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Audrey Fox. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Audrey , appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My journey towards pursuing an artistic path professionally was a gradual realization that creative practices have a transformative power. It wasn’t a single moment of epiphany but rather a series of experiences and reflections that led me to realize that art was the only path that would bring me happiness. It was not a singular moment but a combination of experiences and instances that led me in this direction. It wasn’t until later in life that I began to see the potential for art to transcend personal expression and become a catalyst for change and healing within communities. This is what cemented my decision to pursue art as a vocation. I discovered the profound impact that art can have on individuals and communities through involvement in therapeutic practices and community organizations. This realization sparked a deep commitment to advocate for the arts for the sake of social good, prompting me to explore avenues where creativity intersects with education and community engagement.
As I continued to delve into the world of art education and prioritize accessibility in the arts, my interest in the transformative potential of creativity grew stronger.
My academic journey culminated in pursuing a MFA where I had the opportunity to investigate and refine my artistic practice. Immersed in the vibrant art community in a big city, I embraced numerous opportunities to engage with art on both a practical and theoretical level, from assisting in exhibitions to delving into archival work and outreach initiatives.
Today, as I continue to explore the complexities of disassociation, memory, and identity through my artwork, I am driven by a profound sense of purpose and a commitment to using art as a vehicle for connection and communication.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My artistic journey is deeply rooted in a lifelong passion for creativity and a deep belief in it as a vehicle for communication and change. From a young age, I found solace and joy in creative-making and consistently immersed myself in storytelling and world-building through visual mediums. During my time as a volunteer and then a teacher, I began to see the potential for art to transcend personal expression and become a catalyst for change and healing within communities. Through teaching art courses and designing sensory pathways for therapeutic practices, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that art can have on individuals– especially our more vulnerable populations.
My artistic practice is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on themes of disassociation, memory, and identity. Through saturated portraits, abstracted figures, and immersive installations, I seek to challenge conventional notions of perception and prompt viewers to contemplate the complexities of the human experience.
One of the key aspects that sets my work apart is its emphasis on fostering dialogue and connection, both with oneself and with those around us. Whether through large-scale installations– such as Table for Two or the Koi Pond–which invite viewers to examine the complexity of relationships and time, or through drawings like my series of work titled “I’m Not Here,” which explore the concept of disassociation, my work is intended to spark conversations, challenge perceptions, and cultivate empathy.
I am most proud of how my art has been able to serve as a vehicle for connection. Whether through teaching, community involvement, or my artistic practice, I am deeply committed to using art as a tool for healing, self-expression, and empowerment.
In essence, what I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and my work is that it is rooted in a deep need for expression and exploration of my experiences as I move through the world. Whether through installations or paintings, my goal is to create art that others can see themselves reflected in and, in turn, find solace.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

One of my objectives is to foster dialogue and connection within communities through art. I aim to create spaces where viewers can engage with complex –often uncomfortable– themes and feel seen. By sparking conversations surrounding identity and mental health, I hope to cultivate empathy and understanding among diverse audiences. Through my artwork, I seek to delve into the fluid nature of identity and the influence of memory on our perception of self and time. By examining themes of disassociation, maladaptive daydreaming, and aging, I aim to prompt viewers to reflect on their experiences and connections to these concepts.
By creating spaces for self-expression and reflection, I seek to empower individuals to explore their narratives and find strength in their stories.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Supporting artists and creatives is not just a matter of individual actions but requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses systemic changes and collective efforts. One crucial aspect is prioritizing arts education in schools and communities. By ensuring that young people have access to creative outlets and opportunities to explore their artistic talents, we can nurture the next generation of artists. For example, schools can offer comprehensive art programs that encompass a variety of art-making approaches, speak on the relationship between art and history, and incorporate art therapy techniques for mental wellness. Often art programming is sacrificed leading students to think art is limited to one sort of medium or one art genre. This is a severe issue in underfunded schools, particularly schools in areas where students are at a monetary disadvantage.
By reducing barriers to entry and providing support for emerging artists, society can cultivate a more diverse and inclusive creative ecosystem. The art world is incredibly political, and often marginalized groups are isolated due to societal barriers. By amplifying voices from marginalized communities and fostering innovation, society can enrich its cultural landscape and promote social equity.
Society needs to recognize the value of artistic labor and ensure that artists are fairly compensated for their work. This goes beyond merely paying artists fair wages for exhibitions, commissions, and performances; it also involves providing financial support through grants, fellowships, and residencies. Additionally, society can promote greater recognition and visibility for artists by organizing exhibitions, awards ceremonies, and public art initiatives. Artists should be supported in ownership of their work, with measures in place to hold AI accountable for the usage of art without the artist’s consent and to compensate creatives, such as photographers, for their images being copied and profited off of. There have been many legal battles in recent years regarding what rights creatives have to their work–battles that set a precedent for the rest of the art community.
By investing in arts education, fair compensation, accessible resources, community engagement, and the promotion of arts and culture, society can create an environment where artists and creatives can thrive and contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive society.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artbyaudrey.org/
• Instagram: aud.fox.art

Image Credits
All images were taken by me.