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

Quincy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

As with every skill, I’ve learned how to do what I do through practice but also, and even more important, by constantly taking risks. And to add clarity to this point I should say that I am always pushing toward a direction where failure is a real option.

I’m a true believer in the sense that I believe everything happens as it happens for a reason so I think that my learning process has been neither fast nor slow but an intentional trajectory I have been meant to follow. I would encourage anyone to spend their time searching for their own intentional trajectory, lock into it, then take time pushing away from it and learning/failing, then come back to that path and incorporate whatever new knowledge or skills you have acquired.

I think three skills have been more essential than any others: perseverance, curiosity, and honesty. You have to want it so bad that nothing will get in your way. You have to be willing to ask questions, explore and be willing to solve problems. You have to know what you want. You have to be true to yourself and you have to build a community of people around you who are honest with you and committed to you as well.

I am my own worst enemy. Any obstacles that have been perceived to stand in the way of my learning have been self-inflicted.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In short, I’m an artist. I’ve known since I was a child that I wanted to make things. I went to college and studied sculpture and ceramics along with other media. Over time I became well known as an abstract painter exhibiting work around the globe. Over the past ten years, I have really grown into the artist I believe I will continue to be for the rest of my life. I still continue to create artwork on my own but have partnered with a friend, Luke Crawley, to create work I would have never been able to do before meeting him.

We started creating installations, light sculptures, and public art all over the US. Because of all of the fabrication skills and tools we have acquired we literally make just about anything. Not only do we create for ourselves, but we also help other artists to create what they envision. Basically, clients come to us with creative problems and we solve them with creative solutions.

I think, maybe, if there is one thing that sets me apart is that I thrive in community and when helping others. I love making art and I love working with people. It might be important to point out that this means I enjoy doing commission-based work. Many artists I know do not take on commissioned projects. When I started doing so, my career exploded. People realized that I could not only create art for myself but could also collaborate with them to help their vision become a reality.

People will likely hate this but the thing I am most proud of is always the next thing I am about to make. I don’t rest in my practice. I’m never content. I’m constantly exploring new concepts, materials, and techniques.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I hope this makes sense as it has taken me quite some time to realize myself. I always knew I was a creative. I always knew I wanted to make things but I didn’t have a deeply rooted and personal answer as to why. Over time I have realized that we all have a desire to be in community with one another and that my way of entering into life with others is through creating art. I see it almost as though it is the language I speak in order to begin a dialogue with those around me.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I think as an artist and small business owner I have to be able to pivot constantly. A couple of examples come to mind that might relate to readers.

First, in the recession of the late 2000’s I saw many artists scale back. They made less work. They made smaller work. They dropped their prices. I did just the opposite. I saw the recession as a chance to double down on my career so I invested fully in myself. I made more work than ever before, my paintings became huge, and I stayed true to my pricing. In the end, it paid off and continues to do so to this day.

I mentioned this briefly earlier but, again, when I started accepting commissions my career changed forever. By saying “Yes” to these opportunities I have been able to build relationships that would have never blossomed and they continue to pay with dividends. Once people knew they could ask me to help them create a vision it has only helped others to realize that I can likely help them too. This means I get to be in community with people as well as be constantly pushed and challenged to provide creative solutions.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.owensandcrawley.com and www.quincyowensart.com
• Instagram: @QuincyOwensArt and @OwensandCrawley
• Facebook: Quincy Owens, QuincyOwensArt, Owens+Crawley
• Linkedin: QuincyOwens
• Twitter: @QuincyOwensArt