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

Raegan , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

In undergrad, I did a research project focusing on cancer and loss. This topic weighs heavy on my heart, as I lost my mother to colon cancer when I was 8. My project explored this experience, especially my grief from it. Images of cancer cells influenced my work, both in photographs and paintings. Then, I reconstructed the images to convey a different perspective, mood, or emotion. I also incorporated subtle themes of sarcasm and dark humor as a nod to some of my coping mechanisms. This project was healing for me and helped my grieving process. It also allowed me to reconnect with my mom and my memories.

Raegan , 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 am an artist based in Chattanooga, TN, working primarily in painting. I explore identity and coping with grief through my work, specifically through self-portraiture. My paintings express a story in which I am the protagonist conquering personal growth, acceptance, and self-discovery. I am heavily influenced by social media, especially in the context of pop culture, and how it plays a role as a coping mechanism in my life. My work includes vibrant tones, informed by bright LED light bulbs, which drive the mood and composition of my multiple creative methods. I explore different mediums to challenge myself such as drawing, collage, needle work, sculpture, and performance. In 2021, I earned a BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I met many of my lifelong friends in college and other supportive creatives. I believe the artists here are really growing the art community in Chattanooga and I feel privileged to play a part in that growth.

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

This isn’t necessarily a goal, but I use my art to aid in my journey of self-discovery. My experiences, relationships, and emotions are what really drive my work. I am heavily influenced by my relationships with others and the love I share for them. My self-portraits tell a story about how I am feeling during that time in my life, or past feelings I’ve had about events in my life. I intentionally pose myself with specific objects, outfits, lights, etc. which I often repeat in my work. The process in making my paintings involves a lot of self-reflection and connections I make in how I view myself or how certain events in my life have impacted me. It’s about how I’ve grown and evolved into the person I am today and how I will continue to do so in my life.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Being a people pleaser. Growing up, I always tried to make everyone happy. I would often embarrass myself to make others laugh or like me. I have a big fear of abandonment due to some losses I endured early in my life, which has also morphed into a fear of rejection. Those fears definitely intensified my need to please others. However, there’s not really a specific backstory; it’s just someone I became at a very young age. I’ve always craved attention, and I would do almost anything to get it. Like I said, I would often embarrass myself or make jokes at my expense to gain people’s approval. Now that I’m an adult, I still love making others happy or laugh, but most of the time, it’s just my friends I care about impressing. I no longer crave it from strangers, coworkers, or family. I care about myself. I put me and my feelings first. I don’t bend over backwards for others anymore. Now, all I care about is healing my inner self, my inner child and teenager, who still strives for approval from my family, peers, and employers. I worry about what makes me happy and what makes me love myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.raeganmaddox.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raeganmaddox.studio?igsh=MWVqaW95ZWJ1dTBibw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr