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

Alright, Jamie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

I hope to build a legacy that is based on creation for the sake of creation. I truly believe that it is our purpose as humans to create, in whatever form, and our creations are our greatest contributions to humanity. I want to be known for inspiring and encouraging creation of all forms, from all people. My overall goal as an artist is to create things larger than myself, both literally and figuratively. I hope the impact of these things that I create are inspiring enough to be remembered, as well as motivate others to bring their creativity to life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jamie Whitlow, I am a visual artist based in Nashville, Tennessee. I began making art as a teenager, learning in school to paint and draw. At 18 years old, already passionate about painting, drawing and crafting, I attended my first music festival. I saw muralists live painting large scale murals, and told myself, “I want to be that person.” That’s where my journey of creating art professionally, particularly within the event and entertainment industry, began.

I am primarily a painter, my medium of choice is acrylic paint. I sell original artworks and prints, as well as take commissions for custom paintings. I also paint large scale murals, both painting live at music festivals and events in front of thousands of people, or taking private commissions from local clients.

I began building interactive art installations in about 2014, developing skills with various materials such as wood and metal. I have created sculptures and installations for festivals around the country, traveling long distances to provide immersive and interactive pieces to enhance the festival experience.

In 2018, myself and a group of local Nashville artists co-founded and built a 10,000 square foot pop-up immersive art and technology experience named Otherworld Encounter, including dozens of interactive art pieces, as well as a central storyline. We were greatly inspired by Meow Wolf, and wanted to add a more technology-based theme to the concept. The exhibit ran for three 4-week runs, two locally in Nashville at the Nashville Fairgrounds, and one in Atlanta at the Atlanta MET.

Currently in 2024, I am working on continuing to hone my skills as a painter, challenging myself with subject matter while using my creativity to portray impactful messages. I am looking to branch out beyond the world of music festivals and become more involved within the gallery world, holding my first solo gallery exhibition this year. I’m also continuing to build installations, bringing a large-scale multimedia project to an event in Miami in February.

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

The biggest lesson I’ve had to unlearn in my art career is that of comparison. I had to unlearn the idea that the path to a successful career is linear, particularly within the art world. What I’ve learned is that everyone’s journey and path within their art careers are extremely unique, and what works for one person, may not work for the next.

Particularly in college, I was under the impression that if I focused on my school work, it would naturally take me to the next step in my career. But it took working far beyond that to get a start on things such as gaining a clientele, and professional connections. I began displaying art at local art shows, and applying to live paint at music festivals around the country, and these things are what really made the biggest influence on my career. I learned quickly that there is no “standard” path within the art world, just the one you make for yourself.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In late 2019/early 2020, after 3 successful runs of our pop-up immersive art and technology exhibit Otherworld Encounter, I was spending all of my time reworking our business materials and pursuing funding for a permanent location in Nashville for the exhibit. After months of work and several promising leads, the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and our hopes for funding dwindled significantly. Our team decided to sell our inventory of materials and equipment and close the door on the business.

Along with several of us, I experienced a sort of a crisis during and after Covid. I briefly decided on making a complete 180 in my career, I would no longer pursue art professionally, and rather would go to law school and pursue a career in entertainment law. I spent months studying for the LSAT, took the exam, and applied to several law schools in Nashville and New York.

At the very last minute, after being accepted into Belmont Law School, I pivoted again. At the time, it had been over a year since I created art of any kind. However, it became clear to me that I was making the wrong choice. My heart wasn’t in law, my heart is in art. I repealed my application to Belmont, and went full speed back into art.

It took some time to rebuild, and plenty of self-doubt about my decisions. But looking back, these were the most pivotal moments of my journey. It confirmed what I’ve always known, that I am an artist, and that this is the path I’m meant to be on.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jamiewhitlowart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofjamiewhitlow/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamie.whitlow.9/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-whitlow-a36958149/