We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pam Moxley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pam below.

Pam, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

When I found myself in my late 30s wanting to make a career change and knowing that it was going to be artistic, I was every bit as nervous as I might have been in my early 20s. I knew that art was my passion. I was a wife and the mother of four children and had been working in the corporate world since I graduated from college. There were so many changes ahead and of course, this was scary.
I had been working for a few years to develop the technique that I use in my photo-based mixed media works and found myself ready to put it out into the world. I had an opportunity to be a part of a small group show at a well-known gallery in Atlanta. I was so nervous as I drove to the gallery to present my work. The minute that I pulled my work out, I knew that the owner really connected with it. Before I left the gallery, he had invited me to participate not only in the exhibit that I had presented for, but one that was happening sooner. Several of my works sold during that first show.

Again, I found myself very nervous when I decided to ask the owner for representation. When I finally got up the nerve to do so, the owner looked and me with a smile and said” yes of course, your work is already on the website.” My advice to emerging Artists Is never be afraid to ask. Not everyone will like your work but there are people out there that will connect with it.

Honestly, I must tell myself this daily. In a way, I find myself again working as an emerging artist in a second new medium. In recent years, I have found myself exploring ceramic sculpture. Only recently, have I felt that it is time to put it out into the world. So once again, I find myself getting up the nerve to take the risks needed to succeed.

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.

I am self-taught photo-based mixed media artist and ceramic sculpture artist living and working in Atlanta, GA. I started pursuing my interest in photography while working a work study job in a black and white photography lab for the university that I attended. I am best known for my black and white and sepia-toned mixed media works. They are simple in composition yet complex in theme. Much of my imagery focuses on childhood. Through my mixed media works, I hope to transport you, the viewer, back to your own childhood, to a time of unbridled moxie; to a time when you spent your days discovering.

My works are created with multiple layers. Once I have finished with the photographic component, I continue to create through several other mediums. My mixed media works are individually created with multiple layers. I start by painting a dimensional board with several layers and textures of paint. I then use an image transfer process that I developed to add the photograph to the board. I finish each of the works with a poured layer of high gloss resin or wax. The combination of these techniques brings each of these individual works of art to life. Mixing the distress of the transfers with the brilliance of the resin creates a beautiful mix of nostalgia and high concept polish.

I have been exhibiting my work throughout the United States for the last two decades and I have had many solo exhibits. Recent museum exhibitions include MOCA GA, Southeast Museum of Photography, Mobile Museum of Art, and The Grand Rapids Art Museum.

In more recent years, I have begun using a second medium. I create sculptures using clay and found objects.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, honestly my goal is to keep my sanity. For me, to create is a way to release my emotions, good and bad. I also hope to put a smile on the face of my viewer and send them on a journey back to their own childhood.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I feel that society can best support Artists by beginning to teach at a very young age the value of art and Artists in this world. I come across so many people who were never taught this and truly do not understand what this world would look like without creatives and art in it. Artists themselves often are not valued and are treated as impractical and unworthy in our society. They are often expected to provide work for free. If the Artists and their art held more value to people, this would not be the case. The only way to accomplish this is to teach it to our children.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pammoxley.com
• Instagram: @pammoxleymixedmedia
• Facebook: pammoxleymixedmedia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile

Image Credits
Pam Moxley