We recently connected with Meghan NutMeg and have shared our conversation below.

Meghan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

“I’m an artist.” Wow. A statement that has gone from something I say shyly, almost embarrassed, to now something I say proudly. I am self-taught. Which means I didn’t get a traditional art education. I didn’t even take classes at the local community college. Sure, a few classes in high school but really, I just sat down and got my hands dirty. And I mean dirty. Covered in paint, glue, and all the other tools of my work as I learned what each felt like between my fingertips. How each of them responded to different variables. How this flick of my wrist could do one thing while another could do something else entirely. How different colors respond to one another and how a piece can go from looking like an absolute disaster one moment to something that makes my heart pitter patter a little faster the next, simply by adding a few more layers.

I’m sure taking some classes could have sped up my learning process a bit. Probably a lot. But I wouldn’t go back and change the way I learned it because my journey is unique to me. It’s one that I needed to do on my own. I can’t say I wouldn’t take a class in the future, but for now I am happy to keep learning by doing day by day, or really, mistake by mistake.

Learning color theory was definitely a pivotal lesson for my work and has become perhaps the most essential skill I use every single moment that I am painting. It seems fairly self explanatory, or at least I thought so to begin with. After really diving into it though, I realized that the depth of color theory is incredible. Our childhood friend, ROYGBIV takes on a whole bunch more letters when you truly grasp color theory. So, that would be my advice to anyone who even just wants to dabble in art. Learn color theory. I mean, really learn it, and it will take you further than you could even begin to imagine.

I think for me, there aren’t any obstacles that will stop me from leaning more aside from my own fears and self-doubt. When I can get past those moments of imposter syndrome and tell myself to “Snap out of it,” nothing will stop me from pursuing the next thing I want to learn. Except maybe if it involves math. Because I’m terrible at math and have no desire to torture myself with it. Besides, we have calculators in out pockets now, so take that middle school math teachers. Alright, no, in all seriousness, when I’m excited and passionate about something, I have to know more. I have to learn more and I am determined to do so until I grasp it. What is wonderful about being alive in this day and age, is that we have assess to so many different platforms to learn whatever we would like.

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

Now, I am a multi-passionate creative but primarily a self-taught, landscape artist. Or, as I like to say, a visual poet. I work primarily with acrylic paint on canvas and have found my passion for landscapes in the beautifully wild corners of the Pacific Northwest.

Growing up, I was always doing something creative but it wasn’t until I moved to Oregon that I truly fell in love with landscapes. From the sprawling coastlines to the rolling hills, the majestic volcanic peaks, and winding rivers, there is no lack of magic to behold here. All of which inspire my work everyday.

I strive to create paintings that the viewer can experience a little piece of serenity through. Not just with the painting, but also with the original poem that accompanies each piece.

Once a piece is finished, I then use the beautiful remnants to create wearable art in the form of my original canvas earrings. Each one absolutely unique. I wanted to find a way to limit my waste in my studio. One of the ways I do so is by using canvas as a drop cloth to catch any extra paint. Then though a detailed process, I seal the canvas and design earrings out of it.

Through the years I have found ways to nurture my creativity to fulfill many desires I have and many passions I wish to pursue. Many of which have fallen perfectly together to create Meghan NutMeg Art.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think non-creatives may not understand that creating a piece is typically not linear. It is not a perfect peak without jagged edges. It had ups and downs, much like an entire mountain range. The flow certainly isn’t perfect and every piece requires something different. Something as unique as each individual piece.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I highly recommend Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. Even if you are not a creative, the lessons in that book are incredible and life-changing. I also recommend Find Your Artistic Voice by Lisa Congdon, the Pave Your Way blog by Nina Cashman, and anything by Emily Jeffords. All of these women’s voices have highly impacted not only my creative journey, but also my professional one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MeghanNutMegArt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghannutmeg.art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghannutmegart