We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Clint Atkinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Clint, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

In my case it was sooner and later! I galloped out of the BFA gate in 1984 with group and solo shows while setting my sights on an MFA. While living in Vancouver, Canada I had an undergrad work purchased from a gallery by the Canada Art Bank. I continued this way through my Master with Arts Canada Magazine calling me one of three new artists to watch. But financial and emotional pressure was building in my personal life.

My marriage became very challenging and I became chronically ill. I had the choice between my art career or my marriage and my health. I set aside my career. I just never realized for how long! I’m now in my 70s. With a wonderful marriage and great health, (I hiked to Everest Base Camp for my 70 th birthday), I’m back in the studio, making new work since 2016. A bit wiser and definitely older, I’m making the strongest work of my life. Starting again is challenging, but there are few regrets.

Clint, 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?

Like many creatives I’ve been interested in making artwork from a very early age. My mother painted and sculpted for her own enjoyment so maybe that was a source or maybe it is something genetic, in one’s innate personality. I painted and studied art history through my teens and eventually ended up in University as a mature student in my 30s. I would recommend achieving a BFA and MFA to anyone wanting a sound grounding for starting a career as a practicing artist. That said, there is one glaring shortcoming in the university system! There is an almost total lack of preparation for what happens when you graduate. If you are lucky you will get an instructor who will talk about surviving outside of academia. If you’re in school now, ask! The art world seems full of practicing artists, but tragically most of your fellow students will stop making art in their first five years out of school. Learn business strategies! Ask practicing artists, seek out info on the Net.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My number one motivation is the act of creation. Creating is a fundamental part of me. I look forward to getting to the studio every day. It nourishes me. But, also critical is for my work to be seen, to be appreciated by others, and for others to take my work into their world. I need to move my work out into the world. I need feedback and a sense of purpose or at some point my motivation sags and my creative energy dims. And this leads to the need for building career. As much as I’d love to just go into the studio and paint all day, I can’t neglect the business end! Art world business requires creating undeniable work, building real connections with other artists and creatives, and ultimately, venue, ways to get your work in front of the art appreciating (and buying) public.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Earlier in my career the resources of today didn’t exist other than the gallery system; no social media for promotion and staying in touch with artists and gallerists, no on-line art markets. Getting out the door to visit studios and galleries is still a must, but it’s not news that the internet is a game changer. Your strategy depends on what sort of art you create and what you want to achieve. It’s a subject too big for me to get into here, but do think about where you want to go with your career and seek out all you can on how others have gotten there.

Contact Info:

• Website: clintatkinsonart.com
• Instagram: clintatkinsonart
• Other: [email protected]