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

Chloe, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

I started painting more seriously during the pandemic, as I found myself antsy and needing an outlet. I have always been artistic, taking various courses and practicing a variety of techniques. Painting was always a hobby, and nothing more. I began sharing some of my work on my personal Instagram during 2020, having no intention of turning my hobby into anything remotely sell-able.

I began getting messages from friends and family saying they would buy my work, or inquiring if I was selling. I never imagined painting would be anything more than a hobby to me, so for a while I rejected the idea of selling my work. I wasn’t necessarily against monetizing my art, but I never felt I was professionally trained enough to qualify as a selling artist. I eventually agreed to paint a piece for a good friend, marking the first dollar I earned as a creative (although at quite a low discounted price before I adopted a proper payment structure). I felt extremely grateful someone would purchase my work, but I would be lying if my self-doubt went away, or ever has. The term ‘imposter syndrome’ gets thrown around a lot, but it would be the best term to describe how I felt at this moment. I do realize how annoying this sounds, ‘boo-hoo so many people want to buy my paintings’, but in that moment I truly didn’t see myself as anything more than an amateur.

I was soon swamped with painting commissions for friends, family, and various mutuals. My hobby quickly turned into a business, as I quickly assembled a website, commission structure, and more professional social media sites. I truly had no idea what I was doing. How much should I charge? How does one involve the client in commissions? How much instruction from a client is too much? How do I ship these paintings safely? How do I do taxes? I didn’t have many fellow artist in my life to lean on at the time, so I spent a lot of time getting on my feet.

I have now sold dozens of paintings, and shared my work at various shows and exhibits, yet I still struggle to call myself a professional artist. It has been challenging to balance keeping my painting authentic to me, while still hoping to sell work. I have realized now that the moment I am painting with the idea of a potential buyer in mind, I lose my authenticity and interest in my own work. This is a bigger conversation in itself, and something that I still struggle with, as I know many artists do.

I look back at that moment of selling my first painting as monumental, as it shifted the view I had of myself and pushed me to challenge my capabilities as an artist. I credit my friends and family most for the way my art career has developed, as I don’t think I would ever have tried to sell my work had it not been for their encouragement.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As mentioned previously, I have always been a creative and artistic person – taking various art courses and developing creative practices throughout my early years. Art programs in my public schools had a huge impact on me, and I attribute a lot of my success to having access to art as a child. My parents were encouraging of my creative endeavors, and I know how lucky I am to have been supported in that way.

I didn’t start painting seriously until 2020, and have since been working in abstract paint since. My work is very therapeutic and meditative to me. I work intuitively with both brushes and fingertips, and a compilation of harsh strokes to transparent shadows to create abstract visuals intended to be seen in various perspectives. I constantly explore new techniques and styles, and my personal style has varied quite a bit in the years since I started professionally painting.

I never intended to become a professional artist or sell my work by any means. I believe this has allowed me to remain as authentic and organic as possible. I hope to bring my collectors works that speak to them personally and satisfy whatever artistic view they are looking for. As much as I am selling my work, I also consider it to still be a hobby of mine. I am constantly working on pieces that I could care less if they sell or not, allowing me to be truly free in creating. If someone ends up liking my work enough to purchase, that is just a plus!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

There are tons of ways that society and individuals can support artists and creatives. These are just a few:

Money Talks – Spend money where it will have the greatest impact. Instead of buying your art at chain home goods stores, consider finding local artists you can shop from. A single sale can go a long way. Your dollar has more power than anything, so considering where you spend and who it benefits is crucial.

Show Up – Literally show up. There are so many events and shows happening all the time. Find time to go to your local art walk, gallery, and performances.

Speak Up – Support can do numbers! Even if you don’t have the monetary funds to support artists, you can speak up. Sharing on social media, recommending to friends, even sending words of encouragement to artists means a lot.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

I believe that NFTs have a negative impact on the art world. I have been approached numerous times by strange social media accounts asking me to turn my work into NFTs.

Besides the fact they are terrible for the environment, they are a scam and a danger to the authenticity and security of artists work. In many ways, NFTs are a symptom of capitalism. The ‘starving artist’ is more prevalent in today’s society and economy, so many are desperate to make any money they can. As a get rich scheme, it makes me sad that those with money would spend it on a virtual replicate than a small local artists work.

I strongly believe we must support local artists, particularly in the times we live in. Authentic physical works are much more impactful than a digital copy that anyone can have.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chloeharrisart.com
• Instagram: chloeharrisart