Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jamie Gaviola (aka Flowstatepaint). We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jamie, thanks for joining us today. 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?
Artists are a rare breed. We think in novel ways and have little patience for systems based on profit alone. Along the way, I’ve taken regular jobs. They usually resulted in a mild case of narcolepsy. Honestly, I am just getting by, I live in my studio, have roommates & a use makeshift kitchen. For the last 15 years, I’ve been making about as much as a teacher thru selling my art at shows & online & from my little facepainting business.
Being a full-time artist means spending the majority of your time alone creating. Creatives have a rich inner landscape & fervent curiosity. It is our job to see, primarily. To observe & learn about our world in at attempt to make connections & gain insights to fuel our art.
My life has been shaped by this flow of creativity. Along the way it has worn paths of behavior that support this process.
If you’re being pulled toward the life of a full-time artist, here are a few strategies:
1. Establish a daily routine that supports your creative process. For me, this includes an organized & well stocked art studio, naps, & daily exercise & meditation, Prioritize your mental & physical health first.
2. Get out of the studio occasionally. In order to create, we must fill our inspiration tank & keep our social meter out of the red. Go for walks in nature, attend gallery openings, do your paperwork at a cafe, have lunch with a friend.
3. Paint everyday, even when there’s no show or commission to paint for.
4. Follow thru on opportunities & seek them out. This involves some paperwork, long range scheduling & research.
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.
I paint intricate mandalas through a synthesis of technique and flow that equate to a meditative process. Deeply saturated hues are applied in rhythmic pattern with a near-compulsive attention to precision & detail portraying a sense of gravity and movement. My paintings have been called ‘mirrors, portals, and tapestries of the unseen.’ She paints them to recall interconnectedness of all things to the mind of the viewer.
My work has been collected in several countries. I am currently represented by galleries in Denver, Seattle & Atlanta. I offer commissioned works, originals & prints.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I started posting in 2012, when instagram was a completely different platform. Thru the years, I’ve found the most potent actions to gain & maintain an audience online are creating high quality content & consistently interacting with posts by fellow artists & those who would appreciate or showcase your work.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
My paintings take several hours. A medium size canvas involves the equivalent amount of time as a full time work week. When I finally stand back in awe of what’s on my canvas I know the painting is complete. That is the most rewarding moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flowstatepaint.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/flowstatepaint
Image Credits
yes my photos