We were lucky to catch up with Adrienne Watts recently and have shared our conversation below.

Adrienne , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

After recently relocating from North Carolina to Sarasota, my first solo exhibition, “Weaving Dreams” is the most meaningful project I’ve worked on. In a short time, I have met many artists and art professionals, and this exhibit feels like a special welcome into the community.

The idea for the work itself evolved since its inception in 2021 when I was inspired by woven art in paper, copper, and by traditional weaving itself to make large scale abstract art paintings that blend modern abstract expressionism with traditional weaving techniques.

“Weaving Dreams” a series of seventeen woven paintings in acrylic mixed media is on display at Art Ovation Hotel through October 27, 2024.

Adrienne , 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?

Prior to becoming a full-tine artist, I had a successful career in business. My education is in accounting and finance, which is not a typical artist’s background. I worked as a CPA, corporate controller, and eventually was the co-owner of a real estate company. Throughout my business career, I maintained a dedication to art, primarily making pet portraits and still life watercolor paintings for family and friends. In 2018, I transitioned to acrylic painting and shifted focus to large non-objective abstract paintings.

What motivates me is a curiosity about what’s possible and what will happen during the creative process. It’s an honor to be able to communicate with the public through my art. I am very accessible to collectors and community members, happy to talk about my artwork. It’s important to me that each piece of artwork is a good fit for the collector who acquires it. They will most likely see it every day and I want it to bring them joy.

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

I lived in North Carolina when I conceived this project. I applied for a grant to produce woven abstract paintings with the goal of creating a body of work for an exhibition. I received a generous grant from the North Carolina Arts Council to fund that project and create the work.

During this year-long project, we relocated to Florida. While I completed the requirements of the grant project, I was not able to arrange an exhibit for the work due to the move. The work was in storage for six months and the storage unit was flooded during Hurricane Ian in September 2022. All the grant project work was lost.

Still, I was curious about the process of making woven artwork and still felt I had more to explore, so made a few new woven paintings. I used those as an entry to the solo exhibition that is now on display.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a visual artist is having the freedom to turn inspiration, ideas, and curiosity into reality.

“Weaving Dreams” invites viewers to a realm where woven canvases narrate tales of connection, exploration, and unexpected beauty. Each painting in this series originates as two separate canvases on which I create two contrasting yet harmonious works of art.

The technique of tearing the canvases into strips and weaving them creates an overall captivating effect, which reflects life’s interwoven complexity. Vibrant color and dynamic composition lures viewers closer, prompting them to ponder the process behind each piece.

I continue to create and experiment with woven paintings to create connection, express the joys of exploration, and the unexpected beauty of each work. What continues to make this work interesting is my curiosity about what’s possible and what will happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.adriennewattsart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adriennewattsart/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adriennewattsart/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuwaGTQynHHGRTJxyDWGOw