We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Abigail Morales. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Abigail below.

Alright, Abigail thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I quit my 9-5 during Christmas of 2021 to pursue my artistic career full time and I can honestly say that 2022 has been the best year of my life thus far. I have no need to wonder what it would be like to have a regular job because I’ve done so already, and I am much happier as an artist/creative because it is what I love to do. Although I enjoyed working with others, I didn’t necessarily enjoy the rules when it came to working for others. I’ve worked numerous jobs since I was 17 and although there’s nothing wrong with doing so, I personally was never truly fulfilled because I wasn’t living out my passion, more so doing it because I had to survive financially. I feel like when one takes a risk it’s because their subconscious is now coming into play; you’ve always wanted to do so but now you’re ready to move forward and put that thought/idea into action. I’m not going to lie and say it’s easy, but with patience, perseverance, and a positive mindset you’re bound to succeed.

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

Ever since I was an adolescent, I’ve had a fascination for the arts; studying and practicing from middle school to university. As a child I always had a big imagination, constantly wanting to create, being very particular as well and I’ve found that that characteristic has traveled with me into adulthood. My work conveys a sense of fluidity between realism and expressionism, often reflecting myself and past/current experiences. Within my pieces I tend to incorporate various mediums primarily consisting of oil and acrylic paints occasionally adding other materials. In the past I created a lot of figurative paintings before I started to explore a more abstract style of art and I enjoy playing with color while adding lots of texture to my pieces. I want viewers to be able to relate and immerse themselves within my work. Generally, I create paintings on canvas or wood, murals and I recently completed my first large sculpture located on US1 and 72nd Street. I’m looking forward to working on more projects of that sort as well as learning other disciplines within the visual arts field.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Research is key in any field, and I personally enjoy reading, so there are definitely some books that I’d like to share that have helped guide me through this journey. The ones I’ve read so far that have been super impactful recently would have to be Atomic Habits by James Clear, In My Cocoon by Reyna Noriega, Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon, How to Be A Gentle Woman by Lotte Jeffs and Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. Those are just some to name a few, but they’re all worth a read and touch on different areas of life. Each book has aided in my transformation throughout the years and has taught me awareness, discipline, how to form effective habits as well as develop my character within my personal and business life.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2018, during my last year of university working towards my bachelors, I entered a live charity auction where every piece sold except mine. I felt defeated yet humbled and decided to look at the glass half full and keep going, constantly reminding myself that success does not come without failure. My ego could’ve taken over and made me give up right then and there, but because I have always mentally prepared myself for the possibility of the word “NO” I just took it as constructive criticism. I had a friend who once told me, “Abby, you’re going to have to feel comfortable with hearing the word NO.” and it stuck with me ever since. After the show I decided to analyze my work to see how I could improve and reinvent myself, also keeping in mind that everyone has a preference and that not everyone is going to appreciate my work and that’s ok. I’d like to say that my resilience has come from my parents, it’s because of them that not only have I learned the art of resilience but also the art of love and understanding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://abimoral.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailm0rales/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-morales-7911651b4

Image Credits
@laurynn_l