Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Doug Foltz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Doug, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
I use my work – my process – to more deeply connect with myself and that’s grounded in time spent in the natural world that I paint. Since I was a kid growing up in South Florida, that’s where I’ve found the peace and energy that sustains me. And I hope that what I bring back from those experiences – and share through my work – brings that same peace and energy to those who see it.
In the end, I really do try hard not to think about my legacy. I tend to be more focused on process than final product. I figure if I focus on the verbs, the nouns will take are of themselves. But I do hope that people remember me for that. I’d like people to think of me and my work as honest and connective, and of course… I hope it fosters a connection to – and a sense of responsibility to conserve – our natural coastal environment.
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?
I’ve been painting and drawing since I was kid. My father was a hobbyist painter and I have great memories of standing beside him – big guy, big canvas. / little guy little canvas – working together. Those moments, and the time spent with family on the water are, without question why I do what I do today. Those times grew both my creative and expressive drive, and my love of the wet, salty places I paint.
I started my professional life as an architect, but found out pretty quickly that the spread between creative conception and reality didn’t move fast enough for me – so I started exploring other channels for expression… other kinds of design. Ultimately I ended up here starting SaltCrust Studios. I’ve been doing this for near 30 years now and while I don’t provide a “service” per se, I do hope the people that connect with my artwork – painting and photography – are “served” by what it brings to them. That same sense of peace, energy, belonging and stewardship that it has always brought me. I shoot for that in both the individual work I do and the commissions and collaborations I’m involved with. That authentic sharing is the real goal.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Man… the list is endless. I get to do something I love to do… something I’d likely do even if it wasn’t how I pay the bills. I never get bored. Most of the time I get to listen to good music while I work and, because of the subject matter I focus on, I get to spend a lot of time on the water.
I get to work on deeper self connection and self expression… and the confidence that builds makes me more open to connecting with other people. I get to work with really interesting creative types – whether that’s through SaltCrust Studio projects or the non-profit creative organizations I support – and I hope I inspire other people to do what they love, and to spend time and energy caring for those things. That’s probably the most rewarding thing – building curiosity, energy, and openness in the people my work connects with.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think consistency and authenticity in all I do is probably the biggest thing. That and just a helluva lot of work. If you’re real… not trying to be something you think the market wants – that’s the basis, but now you have to put yourself out there… be seen a lot and in a consistent way.
I do spend a lot of time with non-profit arts and environmental advocacy groups. That’s a great way to stay visible and involved, and… obviously, in todays world, social media is very important in the creative world. Again… consistency and authenticity are key there. Don’t put stuff out there that you think is just going to build a following. Follow all the industry recommendations on timing, technical stuff, etc. but in the end… be excited about your own journey and share that every chance you get.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DougFoltz.com www. SaltCrustStudios.com
- Instagram: @dougfoltz
- Facebook: @doug.foltz.35
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUvZ0K2gAJUOm122YkfnZz0jOn5lfp2aI
Image Credits
All Outdoor Images: Art30A.com, Martini TV and Criminal Films