We were lucky to catch up with Alison Lowery recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alison, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
From an early age, I delved into painting. Portraying my middle school peers led to unexpected sales. Resourcefully, I repurposed leftover house paint and salvaged wood, sparing my wallet. I never dreamt of a full-time artistic career; however, my journey shifted when I settled in New Orleans four years back.
When I moved down here, I commenced vending my art on the streets, circulating my business cards throughout the city. Liaising with local entrepreneurs about art installations filled my days. Conquering the marketing realm proved my most formidable challenge. New Orleans teems with talent, demanding a distinctive flair. My advice to aspiring artists? Nurture an authentic identity that captivates the hearts and wallets of art lovers—a magnificent facet of your creative brain, irreplaceable and enchanting.
Then, a pivotal breakthrough—a downtown gallery welcomed my creations, followed by others. Through the years, I’ve forged connections with national and international clients, shipping my work worldwide. And, as a gesture of appreciation to New Orleans residents, I offer comprehensive installation services for my larger pieces. Each artwork boasts exclusivity and provokes emotions, ranging from $500 upwards, with royal animals starting at $1000. This year alone, I generated a healthy income through direct online sales.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m an eclectic artist based in New Orleans with a passion for collecting bones, oddities, and taxidermy. My art is all about vibrant colors and a contemporary fusion of fabulousness and uniqueness. What sets my work apart is that I only create original pieces, no prints in circulation. I prefer to use my hands, a knife, and even fingernails instead of brushes. It brings me great pride that my first royal birds series sold out the night it launched, and most of my amazing fans discovered me through social media. In the art community, I’m proudly known as the queen of color.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Delivering a quality product is crucial. As an artist, I work closely with both commercial and non clients alike to achieve the desired look and feel in their space through painting. When I’m out, I always keep in mind that I am representing myself and my brand. Furthermore, although not everyone may agree, I like to share personal content on my art page. If you follow me, expect a mix of fun selfies, taxidermy, and glimpses into my life, not just art.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
What I do is more than just creating visual art; it’s about capturing thoughts and emotions that words cannot express. Every stroke has a story behind it, reflecting a part of me. From commissions to pieces in my collection, each artwork holds a special place in my heart. Seeing my art out in the wild or hanging in a collector’s home is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alison_lowery_art/