We recently connected with Autumn Payne and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Autumn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I grew up with an amazing dad who was an electrician and a mom who is a nurse. Despite not having much growing up, that was never an excuse. If we didn’t have something, we could build it. Both of them never gave up, and they remain the hardest working people I know even today. I believe I inherited my love for working with my hands from my dad and my resourcefulness from my mom.

However, my journey took an unexpected turn when I took my first college art class on a bet from my husband, who sadly passed away in 2019. He wagered a cup of coffee that I would change my major from music to art if I took just one class. I accepted the challenge, and by the end of my first pottery class, as I sat at the wheel, tears streamed down my face. It felt like I had discovered a piece of myself that I had never known before, and I knew I would never be the same again.

Needless to say I changed my major the next day and haven’t looked back since.

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?

Greetings, readers! Allow me to introduce myself—I am Autumn Payne, an emerging artist nestled in the serene landscape of Charlotte, North Carolina. My artistic journey has been a genuine embodiment of growth and self-discovery, and I am humbled to share my passion for art with you.

For me, art is more than just a form of expression; it is an extension of oneself into the reality we live and breathe every day. In each piece I create, I wholeheartedly surrender myself to the exploration within the human experience and my chosen medium. It’s a fascinating journey of watching the artwork take on a life of its own, capturing and documenting the ever-unfolding nature of humanity.

My work is a reflection of my personal viewpoint and experiences, a raw and honest exploration that aims to unveil the mysteries and provoke questions about the human condition. Throughout my creations, you will find notes of self-reflection as I fearlessly ask, “What does it mean to be human?” Every stroke and form seeks to unravel the profound complexities of our existence.

In the past six months I took the leap of official launch of my LLC, Art By Autumn Payne. This venture is dedicated to empowering fellow creatives and nonprofit organizations in realizing their artistic visions. Having transitioned from my role as Gallery & Operations Director, I provide expert support in marketing, social media, project management, administration, operations, and product development. I have been a support for so many creatives over the years and it just only made since to take the leap and level up so I can do it at a much larger and more impactful level.

What I am most proud of is my work that dares to create spaces for the viewer to ask the hard questions and engage in self-reflection. It’s my way of inviting you to join me on this profound artistic journey where every piece challenges and inspires.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Oh, what a fantastic question! The lesson that life has taught me is a profound one—there’s only one of you, and life doesn’t pause for anyone. Don’t wait for that elusive perfect moment because, truth be told, it won’t come. All we have is now. That dream lingering in your mind, the one that keeps you awake at night, staring at the ceiling—go for it. Take small steps, just one thing a week or day, and make it happen. Because the world needs you, it need your magic!

Here’s the second gem I’ve picked up along the way—there’s only one of you. No one else can offer what you bring to the table. Your unique contribution is incredibly valuable. Be intentional about where you invest your time and gifts. If you nurture it wisely, it’s astonishing what can grow with just a little water.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that “perfect” doesn’t make good art. Life makes good art. Five years ago, I found myself in a place no 25-year-old thought they would be. I had just lost the love of my life to brain cancer and felt like everything good in the world, including the love of making art, had been taken from me.

My life was turned upside down and inside out; I couldn’t tell which way was up anymore. I didn’t know if I would find my way back to myself, let alone my art practice again. My goal each day was to just live, keep breathing—not just for me, but for all the days my husband didn’t get the chance to. So, I did one step at a time.

I went for a walk, had a coffee in the morning, and fell in love with the smell of espresso and the sounds of leaves again. Each day, I chose to keep breathing. Slowly, it came back, and the artist I am today is not the same person, but I am so glad to know this version of me. I see the world with such a valuable and authentic lens, and I am just grateful to be, falling in love with each day—for me and for him.

Because, in the end, life’s twists and turns are the very essence that makes good art. It’s the unexpected, the raw, and the imperfect that breathes life into every creation. It is in those moments we really see, ourselves, the worlds around us and how small we really are. How precious life can really be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.autumnpayneart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnpayne.art/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autumn.haney.56/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-payne-9952aa261/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@autumnpayneart

Image Credits
Photographer: ROBB WEBB PHOTOGRAPHY – https://robbwebbphotography.com/about-me He is the dream and the best artist! Please give him credit for the studio and professional shots.