We were lucky to catch up with Able Six recently and have shared our conversation below.

Able, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

On January 3, 2020, as the sun began to rise over the rugged peaks of Denver, I was running up a mountain, feeling invincible. The crisp air filled my lungs, and my legs moved with a rhythm that had become second nature. At 38, I prided myself on my daily five-mile runs and mostly vegan diet, a testament to my commitment to health. But on that fateful morning, my heart betrayed me.

As a sudden, searing pain gripped my chest, I stumbled and fell to the ground. My breath came in desperate gasps, and the world blurred around me. The pain was a ten on the scale, an agony that felt like it was tearing me apart. Lying there, helpless, a chilling realization washed over me: I WAS DYING!

“Why is this happening to me?” I thought, grappling with the unfairness of it all. I wasn’t supposed to be here, on the brink of death, not when I had a family who needed me. In that moment of despair, I made a pact with God. I pleaded for another chance to see my wife and son, promising that if I survived, I would abandon my fast-paced, money-driven life and follow whatever path He laid out for me.

Miraculously, help arrived in time. I was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery that saved my life. As I lay in the recovery room, weak but alive, I felt a profound sense of gratitude and a newfound clarity about what truly mattered.

During my recovery, I picked up a pencil and started to draw. It was a tentative beginning, fueled by the encouragement of my wife and son, who saw potential in my hesitant sketches. Despite my initial doubts, I persevered. Day by day, drawing and painting became my refuge, my meditation, my new heartbeat.

I began waking up at 3 a.m. daily, driven by an inexplicable urge to create. My art, once a hidden talent, blossomed into a thriving business on Etsy. I found myself shipping pieces to collectors around the world, each stroke of the mouse a testament to my second chance at life.

I share this story not just as a narrative of survival but as a testament to the power of passion and purpose. I believe it is my duty to repay the gift of life I was given by inspiring others. Don’t wait for a crisis to push you toward your true calling. In my previous life, I owned fast-food franchises, built and sold two successful companies, drove my dream car, a Porsche 911, by the age of 20, and owned several rental properties by 30. I told myself I was living my passion, but in reality, I was chasing money.

Now, my heart beats for art. It has given me a sense of fulfillment I never found in my previous pursuits. I urge you to find your passion and embrace it fully. Sometimes, God gives us a nudge in the form of a health scare, but you don’t have to wait for that moment. Pursue your true calling today, and live a life of purpose and joy.

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

I create minimalist art prints, greeting cards, tote bags, and large canvas wall art. As a visual artist, my mission is to spread love and joy through my work, a sentiment that might sound clichéd but is undeniably genuine. However, I’ve come to understand that my art is also a deeply personal and somewhat selfish pursuit.

I don’t create with the primary intention of pleasing others; I create what resonates with me. Fortunately, this authenticity seems to connect with others as well. Growing up, I was a huge fan of Nirvana, a band that defied the norms and created music that no one else was making at the time. If you had played a Nirvana tune for most record producers back then, they would have likely dismissed it as non-commercial. Yet, Nirvana’s raw, unapologetic sound struck a chord with millions.

My art follows a similar path. It’s an expression of my relentless thoughts and emotions, transformed into visual and poetic forms. I don’t tailor my work to fit market trends or expectations. Instead, I pour my heart into each piece, and it’s this genuine expression that attracts others. Art is my way of processing the world and sharing my inner landscape with those who find beauty and meaning in it. I now tell people I make art because “I can’t seem to turn off the thoughts in my head.” And I find this closer to the truth.

In essence, my work is a reflection of my journey and my passions. It’s a way to connect with others on a deeper level, to evoke emotions, and to inspire. Every piece I create is a testament to the power of authenticity and the joy of following one’s true calling.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

During the first three months of putting my art out into the world, I didn’t sell a single piece. I was posting on social media daily and listing my work on Etsy, what was the result? Crickets. It was disheartening, but I didn’t let it stop me. The advice I would give to any creative starting out is this: “Don’t focus on the sale, focus on your efforts.”

I developed a daily checklist to keep myself on track:

1. Post on social media three times.
2. Give away a piece of art.
3. Put up a new listing on Etsy.

I followed these steps religiously, every single day, for 92 days. Finally, I got my first sale. A week later, I had two more. Fast forward to today, and I receive 10+ sales daily from collectors all over the world. I have sold my art on every continent, and my goal is to ship at least one piece to every country.

This journey taught me that persistence and dedication are key. It’s not about immediate results but about consistently putting in the work and trusting the process. If you stay committed to your craft and keep pushing forward, success will follow.

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

Two ways, simple things on social media, and supporting local art.

ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow and Subscribe:
Simply following an artist’s social media accounts or subscribing to their channels can increase their visibility.

Like and Share:
Engage with their posts by liking, commenting, and sharing. This helps increase their reach and exposes their work to a broader audience.

Use Hashtags:
When sharing or talking about their work, use relevant hashtags to help more people discover them.

Leave Reviews:
Positive reviews on platforms like Etsy, Google, or social media pages can enhance an artist’s credibility and attract more buyers.

Tag Friends:
If you know someone who would appreciate the artist’s work, tag them in posts or direct them to the artist’s page.

Join and Participate:
Join any online events, live streams, or virtual gallery tours that the artist hosts. Your participation shows support and can boost the event’s success.

SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS:

Attend Local Events:
Go to local art shows, galleries, and craft fairs. Your presence and interest are valuable.

Buy Local:
Purchase art from local artists. Even small purchases can make a big difference.

Commission Custom Work:
If you need unique art pieces, consider commissioning a local artist. It’s a great way to get personalized art and support their work.

Promote Their Work:
Word of mouth is powerful. Recommend local artists to friends, family, and colleagues.

Join Local Art Groups:
Participate in or support local art groups and organizations. These groups often host events and provide resources for artists.

Volunteer:
Offer your time or skills to help with events or marketing efforts. Many local art initiatives can use extra hands.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/able6/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/able6art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095185869517
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/able6art

Image Credits

able6 art studio