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

Alright, Mindy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I showed a talent for art at an early age. My art-loving parents encouraged my artistic endeavors and enrolled me in classes at nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art when I was five years old. I continued to study with private artists and at the Art Students League of New York. I was accepted into the prestigious High School of Music & Art in NYC (now the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts), from which I graduated at age 16. I knew that being an artist was my main goal. I majored in Graphic Design and also set Design at Music & Art. I attended Parsons School of Design in NYC and then Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, where I earned a BFA in graphic design and photography. My path to become an artist became part of my daily life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Over the years as an art director, graphic, publication designer and illustrator, I worked in advertising, government and marketing companies, And many years in academia, first at the University of Kentucky, then at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, and finally at the University of Central Florida. At UCF, I also earned a master’s degree. I taught art from K to college level. When I had time I exhibited my fine art, mostly paintings and illustrations. My creative focus shifted from 2-D to 3-D works in 1999 when I took a bronze-casting class at Crealdé School of Art in Winter Park. I also began experimenting with other materials including aluminum, copper, and mixed media. I am passionate about horses which was also a big part of my life, riding, training judging and showing. I am known for my contemporary expressionistic equine sculptures. My sculptures can be found in many art venues, galleries as well as public and private collections. I have won six Grants for my art. I am very proud that I’ve been able to create unique works from table top to monumental and have my work juried into over 300 shows. They have achieved winning many, many awards and recognition. The monumental works have all found homes and can be viewed in public places like the University of Central Florida and The City of Casselberry Lake Concord Sculpture Park.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding aspects has been the many people, artists, collectors and art lovers who I have met along my journey. It is very special when someone takes one of my sculptures home and makes it part of their lives. Having them share how they included the piece in their home with photos and on social media. I am glad I made the jump from 2-D to 3-D. It was a big challenge in the beginning and I grew so much in my journey.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

When I first began creating bronze sculptures, my total focus was having those sculptures come out well and as I visualized. The process was very complex and labor intensive. I was still working full time as a graphic and publication designer. Those first horse sculptures gave me the impetus to keep going and continue to learn more about sculpture and explore other mediums where I controlled the whole process. My goal became to see how I could continue to create equine sculptures that were more conceptual rather than perfect anatomical renditions. I traveled out west to study with master sculptors too. The information I gained helped grow my goals with each sculpture I created. As my work received more recognition and success, my goals continued to evolve. So it ha been an exciting time in my life for growth as both an artist and a person.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mindycolton.com
• Instagram: mindy_colton-equusartist
• Facebook: Mindy Z Colton

Image Credits
Mindy Z. Colton Randall Smith Paul F Colton