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

Hi Pia, thanks for joining us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

When I say I love to paint skulls and bones, an initial assumption people make is that I must paint dark or goth art. But my aesthetic fits neither. I find it interesting how people jump to conclusions. But with that being said, I have learned to embellish a bit more when talking about what I do and create as an artist. Being misunderstood has given me the opportunity to reflect on how I talk about my work without having a visual representation present. Yes, I paint various skulls, but they are clean and bright, paired with colorful glitch and pixelated backgrounds. It’s been fun to educate the viewer and see the wheels turn in their heads when they realize that there is so much more to the initial impression they may have had.

Pia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a fine artist. I’ve been painting ever since I can remember. Having a creative outlet has helped heal me in childhood, as a teen and later on as an adult. Painting is simply something that I cannot be without and an essential fiber of who I am as a human being.
Even though all of this sounds very romantic, my journey has not been as simple as just picking up the paint brush and becoming a full-time working artist. After graduating college in Germany as a graphic designer and moving to the United States I actually worked in the corporate world for almost 20 years. Why? Because that’s what I had been taught was the right thing to do and because it paid the bills. Holding a traditional job certainly had its benefits, but as the years went by I realized more and more how I was denying who I really am and eventually suffered from major burnout. But as any true artist would, I used those setbacks as creative fuel. Most of my work deals with the struggles of full-time working mothers and the negative impact development and technology have on nature. I create to spark conversation about important issues, such as work-life balance and environmental conservation. I want the viewer to connect with my work and to be moved by its beauty, meticulousness and symbolism. When creating commissioned art for collectors I mesh my own aesthetics with their desired subject matter to create a personal piece they will forever cherish.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

During the past 10 years a lot has changed about those resources and how artists reach their audiences. Social media is certainly a great tool to grow a following, connect with collectors and other creatives and to stay up to date with events. Sometimes keeping up with social media can feel daunting and be a bit draining. Social media should not become an artist’s sole online presence. Having a website that reflects your artistic vision and brand is essential. Whether its main use is as a portfolio, blog or store it will always serve as a way for people to find and contact you.

Connect with your local art community by visiting museums, art collectives, your county’s cultural council and attend art walks. There, you will often find other resources such as art classes and educational sessions geared towards your art business. These venues are great networking opportunities. I live and work in Palm Beach County, Florida. If you are local or passing through some great places to visit are The Peach Artist Collective www.ThePeachWPB.com and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County www.palmbeachculture.com. Join artist organizations to build your network and to be inspired by other creatives. First Female Palm Beach www.firstfemalepb.com is building a strong female artist community in the Palm Beaches and beyond. Search for grant opportunities and open calls for artists. www.Callforentry.org is a great resource.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I hope to initiate positive changes in areas most important to me, which are mental health and environmental conservation. At a glance these may seem to be completely separate issues, but I feel that they are closely related. It is hard to deny that there is a deep connection between our wellbeing and the environment. Nature walks and visiting the beach are linked to health benefits, but yet we have the tendency to destroy what heals us. I often feel that electronic overstimulation, consumption and need for immediate gratification are slowly poisoning society and destroying our planet. On the other hand, I am intrigued by technological advancement and find science and construction fascinating. There has to be a way to bring the opposites together to create something beautiful, which will help us live more efficiently with emphasis on mental & physical wellbeing and the health of our planet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.PiaDugger.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piafauna
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Pia-Dugger-100070087936136
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@piafauna

Image Credits

Elizabeth Palace