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

Alright, Jamie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Years ago I had a deviation on what I thought my path in life was going to be. In this uncomfortable space, I signed up for an art class on a whim and was hooked. I did not have any clue about art or any of the various techniques or methods needed to begin or even complete a painting. Nevertheless, I committed to the class and was accepted to participate in the show that season. I continued painting and taking the class and then, once again, my life shifted and shifted and then shifted again.

Fast forward to being married with three small children. A desire to paint wasn’t even on my brain, a long forgotten friend had slipped out of site and out of mind. One summer while the kids were around 5, 3 and 1, while we were spending a summer in Colorado, I signed them for an art camp at the local Art Center. During that week of camp, there was an author who was guest speaking about a book he had written and illustrated. We all attended as a fun little family outing. While that lecture was geared towards children and inspiring young minds and the cultivation of art inside their tiny brains, it resonated with me, “hey, remember me?!” my inner artist shouted.

It really was a pivotal moment and I decided then and there that I was going to start painting again. Having no space which to paint inside my house, I bought a giant sheet of plywood, fastened it to a wall on the exterior of my house (hidden from view of course: eyesore) and carved out time every day to paint. With each visit to that makeshift ‘studio’, I became more encouraged by the momentum of a piece coming to fruition and by the reconnection with the artistic side of my self.

This new step led to the next and the next. As I created and shared, movement occured, energy shifted and along with my precious title of mother, “she’s an artist” was added to my description. More experience was gained, I was motivated and started selling my pieces. That’s not say that since then my life hasn’t shifted and caused occasional pause but now I’ve got a deep well of experience, confidence and knowledge from which to draw. I look back at some of my early pieces and cringe but happy to recognise the I am constantly growing as an artist. May the journey continue…

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 am an abstract painter that is inspired by imagery, mystery and the natural elements that surround me. I have no classical training but through the several decades that I have been painting I have grown and learned through self study, exploration and constant creation. I mostly use acrylic and enamel paint. I have a large collection of vintage LIFE magazines that have been part of many different series that I have created, incorporating collage to convey ideas and emotion. I have created different series on plexiglass, stainless steel and canvas ranging from 9 feet to 24 inches. I love a project and am constantly inspired to differentiate and challenge myself.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media, specifically Instagram, has been my main platform for exposure. I have used Instagram for many years and have noticed that commitment to consistency pays off. I enjoy posting on social media because it serves as a creative exercise in itself. There are an abundance of tools available to create interesting content. The ability to learn and improve content creation is always available with the exponential growth in technology. Human connection and communication is trending this way and although nothing can replace an authentic exchange of in-person energy, social media is vital for business growth.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and have loved to make and sell things since I was a child. I had an idea of making a line of playfully designed pillow covers to promote restful sleep I called, DreamAid. I created several designs that corresponded with inspirational quotes. I hit the streets and the trade shows but wasn’t getting a great response.
Simultaneously, I was getting married and starting my family. Time and money was not on my side. I believed in this product but just didn’t have the resources to continue the pursuit. I ended up donating all of my unsold product to a homeless shelter. I actually had my husband and kids do so as I was so disappointed in myself for giving up.
Looking back, I still love the idea and I love that I tried.
At present, I have a very busy home life, my kids are now 10, 12 and 14. I have limited time, space & energy to devote to my painting passion. That being said, I could not imagine my life without the creative outlet of my beloved brushes and colors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artistjamiejones.com
• Instagram: piecesof_jamie

Image Credits

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