We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jamie Koplin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jamie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I learned to make art starting from a young age. I’ve always loved drawing, painting, sculpting, and working with crafty supplies. I feel I’ve always been a fast learner, but I did struggle with watercolors more than anything, which is my primary medium, now. The most important things I have learned from working with watercolors is to keep an open mind, and know when to stop. It was essential that I stopped trying to control everything that was happening on my canvas or paper, and to just let it flow.
Jamie, 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?
I was a poor latchkey kid that grew up in a very diverse neighborhood. There were so many neighbors from different parts of the world, with different languages and religions. I was so fascinated how they were all able to communicate with me and my siblings with the language barriers. With different religions and cultures come different forms of art. I loved looking at the different things people used to decorate their homes with, and to figure out why those things were so important to those families. I started drawing regularly when I was in 2nd grade. I was very focused on textures at that time – using layers of colors to achieve something that looked like it stood off the page. As I got older, I expanded my studies to Fine Arts, picked up Painting with oils and acrylics, and was pretty mastered in graphite portraits (which I started being commissioned for when I was in High School., which I was always proud of.
The thing I am most proud of is learning how to lower my expectations for what’s happening on my canvas. I used to be a bit of a control freak with my paints, and working with watercolors were my biggest challenge because of this.
I think what sets me apart, with my art style, is that I come from a fine arts place for supplies and techniques, but I also utilize a taste of Graphic Art (think graphic novels) to my landscapes, urban sketches, and commissioned pieces.
Ultimately, I love the process of making art, and I love bringing something new and beautiful to the world for others to enjoy.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I feel it’s very important for societies, or communities, to shop, commission, and support local artists to help them get on their feet! Attend art shows, and talk to the artists in your community. Tell your friends about them, and direct them to how to see the artists work. Network with them. When birthdays and holidays come around, consider commissioning a piece for the occasion instead of just shopping for “stuff” – it will last a lifetime, and always is special to have an original art piece!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a Creative, is being able to look at the world through the eye of an artist. It’s an amazing thing to be able to find beauty everywhere- even in dire circumstances and places (especially then!). It’s so amazing to have a blank surface in front of you, and bring it alive by urban sketching (which is a type of historical record for the time and place you’re painting), or by planning a painting. That has sentimental value for someone. It brings joy to the world, and it doesn’t get better than that.
Contact Info:
- Website: JamieKoplin.com
- Instagram: JamieKoplinStudios
Image Credits
All images taken my myself