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

Trine, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

“Learning the craft” is a constant. Growing up I learned from observing my father who was a cartoonist and later on as I entered Otis College of Art and Design, I was naturally exposed to a more academic learning. But once out of school, on my own, I found that what had been installed in me had to be un-learned, to a degree .
Of course, it’s impossible to turn back time, but what I mean by it is that I attempt to approach my craft with a novice mind. While this is a self-imposed illusion, the bare attempt of it helps me to start a new painting fresh, with some humility, nervousness and always wanting to do better than the last one.

A painting can at best be solved, but it can never be done. This lack of perfect completion becomes the bridge to the next piece.

Trine, 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?

Although it was not an expectation, growing up in a creative family becoming an artist was a natural progression. But it wasn’t until I was in my first year of art school, that I realized I wanted to become a painter. I had up to that point thought I would be an illustrator, but it took me some exposure to a bunch of different classes and materials to understand that my childhood desire to make “posters” when I grew up, translated to the work of a painter creating a single imagery on a canvas that moves you in inexplicable ways.
Choosing the path of an art form where what you create is essentially “on spec”, it is not an easy path and making a living is a struggle for most artists, and certainly was for me, too.
So I am proud on a personal level that I have persevered and always have managed to keep making art. But it makes me even more proud when what I put out into the world, moves someone on a deeper level and it connects us as human beings. Art is, in my view, the magic that keeps us afloat and reminds us that there is more to the world and life than “reality”. Our source of imagination and dream is something that frequently gets neglected and forgotten. Creating something tangible that makes someone connect to this important part of us, makes me feel that it is all worth it.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I am on Instagram and Facebook. I want my social media to be a page of fun and inspiration, where you can see not only finished pieces, but also get an insight into the studio, and get to know me a little. Instagram is constantly changing, so who know what’s next, but Reels right now is the quickest way to get more followers. If you are shy to just shoot and share, then upload short videos from your phone library instead. I do all of it from my phone, using just the tools available in Reels. Authentic posts over fancy posts are by far preferred.

What do you love to watch on social media? Someone painting, someone unveiling a new piece? Well, that’s most likely what people would want to see from you, too, then. Personally, I have to be in the mood for these types of videos. Painting is such a focused moment, that having to also think about filming it, is a complete distraction. But if you do a super short one – even 10 sec at the end of a work day, that works just as well.

Also, don’t sweat it about posting too much on social media. Keep in mind that it is only a fraction of your followers who have the chance to see it, IF they happen to be on their social media at the right time, OR scroll back far enough.

Mix up your posts with art in an environment, like your studio wall or easel, or imposed in a room, or an actual room. Write just one line, write a whole long story. Do hashtags, don’t do no hashtags. Mix in pictures of yourself from time to time, or your pets or what else is part of your personal life.

Instagram gives you two links now to add to your bio. Make use of those links and mention from time to time to go to your link for more info.

Respond to all replies, and engage in conversation if it feels like a natural next step.

Your post on IG can be shared to your Stories with the little paper plane symbol. It takes a second to do – so just do it. Because people have different viewing preferences so this way you will get more eyes on your work.

Don’t pay for followers, block, delete or ignore comments about sharing your content on bla-bla-bla (they are asking you to pay for advertising) or NTF ( unless of course you are selling NTFs, but still watch out for scammers.)

Follow other artists where you feel you can learn something from them.

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

Support the artists in which ever form you can. Don’t have any money to purchase art for? Share an artist’s content on social media – do a call out for an artist you love. Go to their shows, share the word. Have a little bit of money to spend on art? Many artists have smaller price tags works, like prints – limited edition prints or giclee ink jet prints. My own prints start at just $50. Don’t care for prints – but want an original? Many artists will let your pay it off in installments. Never be shy to ask or to simply reach out with a nice comment, it goes a long way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.trinechurchill.com
• Instagram: trinechurchillart
• Facebook: Trine Churchill Studio

Image Credits
Photos by Stacie J. Meyer and Spencer Churchill