We recently connected with Mattie Stillwell and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mattie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I’ve worked as an artist selling my paintings at Jackson Square in New Orleans for 12 years. I am self taught with no formal training so it has been a learning process. At first I didn’t know where to start or what to create, I was inspired to try selling at the square when I met my now boyfriend of 12 years, Nathan. He has been an artist there since 2010 and does quite well at this point. I spent the first four years posted up on Decatur Street by the mules and carriages and I definitely struggled. I didn’t make much money, only a few sales now and then, and the environment was so shocking to me. Dealing with the noise, weather, other intense characters, the long hours was so challenging. It was trial And error for a while but I finally hit my stride a few years ago and now it’s fun and relatively easy for me. I love this career, I paint anything I want and manage my own business and schedule. I set up on St.Ann Street now, which is more peaceful in a way. I’ve learned how to screen print in order to produce more, I’ve also become more skilled and efficient at painting and creating various works. My art sells so well now, I have many returning clients as well as new clients from all over the world. It’s so much fun to set up and display my art at the square, my colleagues are like family to me and I’ve grown used to the chaotic environment. I even created an Instagram page just to post the photos and videos from my experiences at the square (Jackson.Square.Moments)
I’m happy I stuck with this profession even though it took years to get it right. I struggled a lot at first but now it’s smooth sailing and I hope I get to do this for many years to come!

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 originally from Texas and decided to move to New Orleans in 2008. I began to pursue art as a main profession in 2011, after noticing the artists on Jackson Square in the French Quarter. I purchased a painting from artist, Nathan Henry in 2011 while walking home from my restaurant job. We began dating soon after and I tried the chaotic lifestyle of a full time Jackson Square artist with his advice. I offer hand painted original works, usually acrylic paint on canvas or wood. My imagery is colorful, a bit strange, sometimes ominous or macabre, often inspired by New Orleans. I’m self taught and have learned screen printing and we have created a silk screening studio in our shotgun house. I screen print various images with colorful ink on wood and sometimes I also design and print t shirts for sale online. I make many online sales of paintings, prints and apparel but mostly I sell my creations on the historic iron wrought fence by the St. Louis cathedral at Jackson Square in New Orleans. I’m usually there on weekends and throughout the busy season of spring.
I truly enjoy painting and it’s exhilarating to display my works in the center of New Orleans, having the opportunity to converse with travelers from all around the world. I have paintings everywhere at this point!
I paint intuitively and my originals are one of a kind, unique to my imagination and experience. I’m inspired by my own sentimental nostalgia, the kawaii colors that I recall from visiting my family in Singapore as a child, the vivid colors and architecture of New Orleans, the sense of spirituality and the romance of the paranormal in this city as well as the festive nature and resilience I witness here.
My art represents my life of personal experiences, the blend of my own spirit and interests. I’m elated to find others who appreciate my aesthetic and choose to take my pieces home. This profession is very fulfilling and I’m proud of the challenges I’ve overcome to get to this point. I’ve met so many amazing artists and continue to collect motivation and inspiration at every moment. There is a bright feeling of excitement for the future and I feel right at home where I am now.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I find that some people believe that this job is very simple, maybe not a legitimate profession, silly or unimportant. Many people might not understand the years of hard work and the intense daily pressure we go through. We work morning to night, constantly producing endless amounts of art in our home studio, always reinvesting in expensive supplies, always trying to maintain creative authenticity in every piece we make. It’s a labor of love and I feel very passionate about it, and perhaps that’s part of the drive that keeps us going through the elements of nature and the constant physical, mental and emotional hurdles we must overcome. It truly takes that passion to continue doing such a challenging feat; being exposed in the chaotic environment of Jackson Square. It’s all worth it though when you see the pure joy in the faces of clients, passersby, tourists, spectators and all. We’ve seen people shed tears because they identified with a certain painting we created. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you’ve made something that brings others joy or comfort or an emotional response. I believe that art is extremely important in this world. It’s timeless, ageless and forever necessary. Evolving with the passing time is also a part of this career. We must keep our vision fresh and continue to pursue relevant subject matter which may evoke feeling in the viewer. This has become so much fun for me, and I’m enjoying this journey as a Jackson Square artist 12 years in and ready for the next decade of wild times in this magical city.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Buying art from actual artists is always a great investment. It benefits the artist, of course, but also the investors. Owning a piece of hand crafted art is something that can bring a person joy every day for years to come. I collect art from my favorite artists and I see the pieces daily, and they continue to inspire me with every encounter. Each painting tells a story of where I was mentally, physically and emotionally at the time of purchase. Art can be so personal and varying to each person. This is such a gorgeous phenomenon, kind of magical in a way. Like music, food or fragrance, visual art can take you back in time, trigger a particular memory or sensation.
Especially if it is hand crafted by an individual who is passionate in the field. I hope that people will continue to value art so highly and continue to open their hearts and minds to the infinite varieties of beauty that are projected from the imaginations of unique individuals.

Contact Info:

• Website: MattieLucille.BigCartel.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mattie_stillwell?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattiestillwell?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mattiestillwell