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

Hi Christy, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have always loved being creative, even as a child. I gravitated to anything you could make with your hands….lite bright – check; hook rug – you betcha; Spirograph – yep; easy bake oven- yes please! My grandmother was a portrait painter and I loved visiting her studio so I guess creativity has always been in my blood. While the right brain was where my heart was – my left brained tendencies kept me pretty rooted in what I thought was more practical and more realistic.

So I studied Marketing in college, all the while wishing I was an Art major. I worked in Marketing for several years but felt the constant pull back to my first love. In my late twenties I went back to art school and really haven’t looked back since. There is something I’ve heard others describe as the “flow” that just happens when you are doing something you truly love and you sort of lose yourself. I felt that for the first time in art school. It’s like you are so deeply connected with your true passion that time disappears and you are just in a magical zone. It was a time when all I wanted to do was learn and it was a turning point for me.

Christy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have spent most of my life working on my most rewarding creative project….raising my children. I spent the last twenty years being a full time mom and part time artist so it wasn’t until 2019 when I began to really pursue my art career with full speed. A series of events have led me to where I am now, but mostly it was getting over the fear of failure and not being afraid of trying something new. I started off just saying yes to opportunities – the first one being a large scale painting for my church. My minister paired me with another amazing artist/volunteer and asked us to paint two 4’x6’ paintings to hang during the Advent season. He had never seen my work and it was a leap of faith for all of us; however, working with this other artist and the enthusiastic response to our work gave me the confidence to try new opportunities. I applied to some local shows, took on more commissions, worked with galleries on a few solo shows and eventually moved into a full time studio at the Urban Art Collective in Chamblee, GA. (The greatest place on earth – by the way!)

I am a mixed media painter and while the subject matter of my work changes I think the thing that resonates with most people is the personal connection they have with my art. One of the things I am most grateful for is that I get to create something that brings joy into peoples lives. I may never meet them, but I love knowing that someone has purchased something that I have made that they connect with and is personal to them. Many of my pieces have specifically selected materials (maps, papers, recipes, letters, etc…)that I weave into the underpainting to help craft the story of the piece. I love making art that reminds my collectors of special memories or moments.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There have been several bumps in the road for sure. Everything from the early days of festivals where you’d sit in the hot sun for days, not sell a thing and have your tent blow over in storm to almost destroy the inventory of the potter next to you. Or, ship your most expensive piece of art to a collector out of state to have a pitchfork pierce it in the center during deliver….hello insurance. Also, there was the time I almost fell for the old instagram scam of someone wanting to buy a piece of art for “her husband’s surprise birthday”….that was a doozy.

Mostly, however I think it’s just believing in yourself and what you are doing and not worrying about the set backs. There have been plenty of shows where sales were pitiful. It is very hard not to take that personally because you are literally putting yourself out there for criticism and rejection. It. Happens.. The trick is to keep moving forward, reevaluate, learn your lessons and try again.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It really is a privilege and honor to create something that someone chooses to put in their home. I feel very lucky to make something that brings joy or a sense of connection. When collectors feel moved by something I have created or they are excited to give a piece of art as a gift – that is the best part.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.christyholmes.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3rdquarterstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Christy-Holmes-3rdquarterstudio-112106567582850/?ref=pages_you_manage

Image Credits
Laura Beamon