We were lucky to catch up with Andie Olson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Andie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
I’ve recently taken a huge risk in my career. I am currently pursuing my lifelong dream of being a full-time artist and art instructor. Due to income issues, lifestyle and motherhood I have had my dream on the back burner for a very long time. Prior to my recent decision, I have been creating art and teaching lessons here and there. But mostly, I have filled my time with jobs such as art program manager, server, barista, virtual assistant. You name it, I’ve done it! This jobs have had their own rewards and lessons, but it is time to take the leap. I have strong trust in the universe. There have been times when I have been down to my last penny as a single mom, with a bill looming, and I unexpectedly receive a gift or a side gig that allows me to float financially. Most recently, I was having a difficult time finding a home for my kids and I, and through prayer and positive thinking, I was able to secure the perfect spot for us.
So, my risk to take my art making practice and art instruction full-time involves a lot of faith. But I trust my abilities and I trust the universe enough to know that it will work out!!
Andie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I have always been an artist. I have always felt the impulse to create. However, it wasn’t until my first year of college that I decided that I wanted to be a professional artist. I began my college journey as a graphic design major, and quickly switched to fine arts. I would describe my painting style as highly-detailed abstract florals. I begin with creating a composition using outlines of flowers and other items such as leaves, rocks, and plants. Once the outline of my design is penciled in on the canvas, I begin to make decisions about color, form and depth. I tend to work smaller, about 20″ x 20″ and below. However, I am about to begin a few 4′ x 4′ canvases! I am very much looking forward to that challenge.
I am also an art instructor. I have been teaching art to students of all ages and skill sets for about 10 years. I am currently teaching lessons at my home studio and am also willing to drive to local student’s houses for lessons. In addition, I host sip and paint events at private homes and local bars/restaurants!!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I am driven by my deep belief in the power of art. I have had art students that come from impossible family situations go from the student sulking in the back, to the student standing proudly by their latest piece of art. I have had students attend a private lesson that go from being terrified to even attempt to draw a straight line to using art making as a source of relaxation and meditation. I have gone to a museum and felt tears come to my eyes while viewing a Van Gogh. I have left a local artist’s exhibition feeling completely euphoric after viewing their art.
Art is healing and transformative. Art is necessary for every individual on this planet. My goal is to help share that belief.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
There is this stigma of the starving artist and also that art making is for flaky, hedonistic people. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Unlike the very preplanned and narrow path to becoming a doctor, teacher or lawyer, the path to becoming a successful artist is almost completely undefined. Yes, there is freedom in that, but there is also a ton of uncertainty. One must be a strong individual to navigate that uncertainty. One must be a business savvy, people savvy, possess enormous artist talent and have an unwavering vision. So, the stigma of the flaky/hedonistic/starving artist could not be further from the truth.
Contact Info:
- Website: andieolson.com
- Instagram: @andieolsonart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndieOlsonFineArtist