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

Alright, Esther thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I have always been drawn to artistic expressions. I began pour painting with a friend in her garage. I became obsessed! I started following videos on you tube, watching online tutorials, messaging artists when I’d get stuck on a technique, and just learning from trial and error. I don’t believe there is a more efficient way to learn. It would be great if classes were available to walk you through, but the closest I’ve found is online tutorials.

Esther, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

So I am an occupational therapist during my daytime hours. In the evenings is when I paint. Currently I’ve been fixated on my resin geode work. Often times I will simply ask patrons what colors they would like and create from there. I also show clients my current works of art for sale, as well as send them to my instagram page for inspiration of what they want. I will often make a few pieces along the lines of what they’re asking for and simply let them choose, which pieces they’d like to purchase and put the extras back on the rotation for sale.

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

I’ve had to unlearn that I must succeed at my endeavors. In learning a new art form I failed far more than I succeeded. I had to learn to let go of that expectation that everything I create will serve a purpose or be of use. Its been a good lesson in learning to accept my mistakes and forgive myself.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I strive to deal with my own mental health, as well as help others accept their struggles. I have struggled with clinical depression my whole life and have had two suicide attempts. After my second attempt I attended an inpatient rehabilitation facility for women dealing with similar issues and similar histories to my own. While there I created several pieces for the facility that were then sold at their annual fundraiser. Also while there I organized for the women to have supplies for pour painting and taught them how to create their own art. I’ve given lessons to friends struggling with mental health as well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: artitude_by_esta