We were lucky to catch up with Aletia Thomas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Aletia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Despite achieving my Fine Art Degree in 2010 & some early success in the arts, I was told it was time to get a REAL job after university, so I went from one job to another ending up serving the public in retail and eventually landing some office work putting my eye for detail, work ethic, organization and other skills to good work.
During those years I was wracked with self sabotage & feeling unworthy to pursue my passion, the same old limiting beliefs of ‘you’re just not good enough’, ‘only the lucky (born into it) ones get to be artists’ or ‘you can’t make a living from it’ thoughts kept buzzing through my mind, so I kept to the grind, turning my back on my art.
There was a point where the monotony of daily life made me feel numb, the lure of my craft beckoned & so I started painting again for my own enjoyment in my free time after work, returning to horses & art was a comforting escape for me.
Not long after that word spread, the chairman of the company where I was working requested to see my work and to my surprise, asked me to create a custom piece for him of his treasured race horse!
It was exhilarating to know I could finally be paid to do what I love and what’s more, I could name my price!
Having successfully created many commissions at this point I knew learning more about the connection between horse & owner is key to capturing the unique spirit & character of my subject in my art practice. Having revealed the final painting to the chairman, he was overwhelmed with emotion and excited to hang his new art “pride of place” in his home. It’s this reaction from fellow animal lovers that made me realise what art can do for others, and why I wanted to work as a professional artist.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a professional Equine & Pet Portrait Fine Artist in the industry for 9 years. Horses are my main inspiration but growing up I found great comfort in our family cat & dog. When I couldn’t be around them, I’d draw them and this developed into a lifelong obsession, leading to the successful artist I am today, taking part regularly in exhibitions, being represented by galleries and selling art directly myself.
The power of horses is the backbone of my art. Their subliminal teachings are translated in my art to deepen the connection we have with ourselves.
Horses are my muse, spirit animal & a creature that sees beyond the surface – this is encapsulated in my paintings mirroring back at you new perspectives, your emotions encompassed with the true essence of the horse.
I use two media’s in my art practice, Coloured Pencil and my most expressive Acrylic Paint on Canvas. A variety of tools & techniques, allows me to express the unique personality of the horse (or pet) that evokes deep emotion from equine enthusiasts & animal lovers alike.
I create custom pet portraits directly to commission customers, self led original art and prints in my art business Art by Aletia.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
To maintain a space for art and it’s inherent value in our culture, lives and homes. Art can be seen as an unnecessary luxury and an artist can be misunderstood, not being taken seriously for their value, skill and craft.
In todays busy world, the rush of consumerism and the need to fit in, quality can be over ruled by fast fashion and interiors are no exception.
As technology becomes more advanced, it’s another opportunity to eliminate the human connection that art provides speaking in an unspoken language that only hand created, honed over years of devotion to the craft, art can do.
I would argue now more than ever it’s become a necessity for society to hold value for artists and their craft. That investing in art in your life is one of the most powerful things you can do.
Allowing authentic beauty in our homes and life isn’t some superficial box to be ticked but an essential need in our lives that invites curiosity, wonder, awe and makes the art collector feel valued too. Art is accessing a window to more than obvious beauty but allowing self-expression, new thought provoking reflection, bespoke one-of-a-kind character and deeper connection within ourselves.
When art and beauty is in your space it puts you ahead in daily life, restoring and revitalizing your soul, enhancing your wellbeing, mindset and overall health. Enabling you to be aware of what makes you thrive and how to celebrate what you love in the place that should be tailored for you most – your home.
When we invest in art, we are investing in ourselves.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
To celebrate the gift of animals in our lives, our profound connections with them and that they deserve to be treasured as an important part of our changing world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artbyaletia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyaletia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aletiaequineartist/
Image Credits
Aletia Thomas Copyright Art by Aletia