Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Blossom Robertson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Blossom, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

It has taken many years and a lot of work, but I make the bulk of my income in the field of art! I say the field of art because it can take more than just “selling your art” to make money.
While I went to college straight out of high school with a focus on fine arts, life happens and my path was detoured for many years. I spent over a decade in banking, but that was not a role I was born to play in life…….while I learned a lot, and met a ton of influential people in Clarksville, I was built for something more creative and free flowing.
I knew I would not feel fulfilled in my life if I wasn’t able to be creative on a daily basis.
With the help and support of my fantastic partner I was able to jump all in! I started by just getting my stuff out there anyway I could. Finding local shops to sell my stuff that had a vibe that would reach the right audience. Connecting with local businesses to host paint & sip parties. Paint parties have not only made me money, but have given me so much joy! Helping others to create something they didn’t think they could while having a blast. How is this work? We all have that creative energy in us, sometimes it just needs a little nudge and a hype girl to bring it out!
I think a lot of creatives struggle with impostor syndrome. My biggest hurdle for me (and probably most artists) is myself. I have moved past caring if anyone else digs my art, I dig it. As I have come into my 40’s I know more of who I am and that lends itself to my art. The biggest compliment that I get is always when someone tells me they knew that was my art, that it feels like Blossom. I wish I had sought out and surrounded myself with other creatives sooner. In the past I was intimidated by other artists, enter that self doubt, but its super important for the creative community to lift each other up and show each other encouragement. There is room for everyone, all styles, all levels. Art is life. Without visual art, music, poetry, etc… would life even be worth living? Its how we connect to others, show vulnerability and express the spectrum of human emotions.

Blossom, 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 do paint & sip events. Both private and partnering with local businesses. These are custom planned events/paintings.
I do commission pet portraits (I am a huge animal lover), murals, and original artwork. My main medium is acrylic.

I have always been drawn to self expression and art. I’ve always been a bit of a weirdo and I embrace it! A little spooky, a little cutesy but all Blossom. I like to think of my work as kind of moody, dark but pretty, the way I see life. I love putting a twist on some of my favorite pop culture icons. Beetlejuice and Rocky Horror themes make an appearance every year for my annual October solo art show. For the past 3 years I have been lucky to show at the local theater in Clarksville The Roxy Regional Theater in conjunction with their production of Rocky Horror. I love pairing things like fabrics, incense and custom playlists to correspond with my art in shows. I want you to feel the feels that I was in when creating, what I was wearing, smelling, listening to while I was painting.

I have recently taken on the role as chair of the local Artwalk. This is something I am passionate about. Encouraging other artists to put themselves out there, getting to know more local artists and exposing more of my community to these artists.

I am proud of myself for putting myself out there as well. I have overcome a lot of obstacles and traumas in my life, and I believe it has made me a more empathetic person who is able to connect with others in life and through art.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think so many people don’t realize how personal art can be. Even if the subject matter isn’t something overtly meaningful to the viewer, it is to the artist. Even the style in which something is created or the medium used to create it, these can have a significance that the viewer is unaware of. Something that may seem like just a pop culture reference to the viewer, may symbolize something much deeper to the artist.
You have to be so exposed and vulnerable as an artist. This is me, please love me! That fear of rejection you have to work to get past. I know I am not going to be in everyone’s taste, that my style may not speak to everyone. I focus on those who purchased art from me are excited about what I created. So to share in that little bit of joy or connection with someone is cool.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society needs to stop putting people in boxes. Personally I believe in the perfect world we are fluid beings.
Let people be their authentic selves. From day to day we are changing and that’s how it should be!
We need to give people that space to grow, change and experiment.
Exposing kids to being creative and letting them express themselves thru things like art, fashion, music, and writing will give them confidence.
Artists supporting and inspiring other artists is so important. Having creatives united generates an energy in the community that draws people in.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertsonwildflower
• Facebook: Blossom Robertson