We were lucky to catch up with Madison Pantuso recently and have shared our conversation below.

Madison, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Both sides of my family are very creative, although many of my aunts and uncles would deny it. My dad went to college hoping to pursue a photography career, but decided against it after worries about being able to provide for a future family. Not only has he worked hard to provide for us, but his creativity is both versatile and diverse. My mom has always said that she loves admiring artwork but is unable to make anything with her hands. Which, if you saw the things she made, you would know that statement is untrue. I think they were a little nervous for me when I decided I wanted to study art, but even through their parental fears, they have given me unconditional love and support.

I remember in college a time when I was struggling with a certain assignment. My parents were passing through town and during lunch I described the problem I was having with my project, not knowing how to fix it. My dad had an idea to use fishing materials that allowed a part of my piece to freely spin while still being level. We went to Walmart, bought the materials, and he helped me piece together my project in my apartment before they continued on their trip.

This may seem like a small thing, but it illustrates something that has been true of both of my parents for as long as I can remember. They always have my back. They are interested in the things I am passionate about. They will always support and love me. That has been vital in promoting positivity, love, and perseverance within myself that heavily impacts who I am as a person and artist.

Madison, 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 grew up in Wyoming and attended the University of Wyoming where I got degrees in both Art Education and Spanish. Instead of becoming a teacher after college, my husband and I moved to Colorado for work. I have always loved making art, but while in Denver I lost my son, Tucker Colt Pantuso, who was stillborn. Amidst the grief and pain that comes after such a deep loss, I found myself turning more and more to art to give me rest during my days. Instead of creating sporadically throughout the year, I started to create almost every day and continue to feel the necessity of incorporating it into my daily life.

I want people to know that if you are struggling through something right now, that you do not need to feel any pressure to “make something” out of the situation. If you are just trying to survive day to day, then you are doing enough; you are enough. Although I connect my artwork to my son’s life in very close ways, I do not want to give the impression that you have to do something specific with your grief.

That being said, I want people to know that I thrive in connection with others. Anytime my artwork or a shared interest in the arts brings me in connection with others, I feel fulfilled. I love to answer questions, have conversations, and get to know people. My goal is that my work and what I do reflects that sentiment.

I moved to La Vergne, Tennessee in March of this year and have loved getting to know Tennessee and the wonderful people here. I have most recently been interested in mural work as well as printmaking and embroidery.

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

I have always wanted to find ways to share my art, but I used to think that I had to have made a certain amount of art or organized myself sufficiently before I ever did anything like start social media accounts or create a website. I watched a lot of Youtube videos and other artists online that gave advice about how to be a professional artist or how to sell your work. When I found the time to watch these videos or read articles, I would create lists of all the things I needed to do to prepare. I would try to preemptively decide the art medium I would commit myself to indefinitely and plan what that would look like in coming years.

And guess what? I never really made it farther than that. This might work for other creatives, but for me I finally realized that I was working backwards. I didn’t need to make all of my decisions for the next year about my art. It didn’t work for me to plan out a month ahead of content for social media. I couldn’t stick to one medium because I naturally wanted to explore multiple. I learned this when I was really struggling through grief and depression and I didn’t really care about any end goal. I just used art as a way to give myself a break from some heavy emotions. I started to share things and find new opportunities and inspiration. I didn’t forcefully try to dictate where I moved next. Instead, I grew and learned organically.

I have now adopted the plan to learn as I go. If I want to build a website, how do I start that right now while I have time? I remind myself that it doesn’t have to be perfect in order to start. Do I feel under-qualified to apply for an exhibition? I am still going to apply and see what happens. I am less concerned about creating a cohesive art media account and more interested in authentically sharing what I am exploring. I try (try being the key word) to not compare myself to other artists, especially those who have spent years developing their style or brand. I still am able to learn from others, but I learn as I go in the moment and it has brought me farther than most of my detailed notes and lists.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I have a really tough time choosing because each step of the process brings me a certain amount of happiness and fulfillment. The actual act of making brings me a deep level of contentment. I love the feeling of working with my hands and being able to enjoy the end result. I find my work as an artist most rewarding when I am able to connect with others through art. The people I have been able to meet and get to know because of shared interest in the arts have enriched my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.madisonpantusoart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonpantusoart/?next=%2F
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madisonpantusoart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-pantuso-576315267/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/madison-pantuso-art-la-vergne-2