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

Wanita, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. 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.

I’ve wanted to be an artist since age 5, and like many would be creatives, I was discouraged from pursuing art as a profession. In the 8th grade, I met engineering college students and decided that I wanted to be an engineer when I grew up.

After over 20 years in the profession, through multiple industries, locations, and products designed and tested, I had finally achieved executive level. When the company laid me off, I was devastated. I took a huge risk and began painting and conducting arts based teambuilding workshops full time. Finally allowing my creative side to be in control versus working in corporate roles that suppressed this side has been restorative. My faith in God, the love of my family and friends, and opportunities to learn from working professional artists has allowed me to live my dream.

Wanita, 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 Wanita, AKA “Dr. Dubs” (like pronouncing the letter “double yoo”), a self-described engineer with the soul of an artist. After spending the first half of my life being defined by my profession as a mechanical engineer (aerospace mostly), I am now a working artist (painter) and video podcaster. I got into the creative industry full time in August 2022, and began as a watercolorist. Quickly experimenting and creating larger and larger works, I am currently in a phase of large format acrylic paintings on canvas, wood, metal, and other materials that allow me to play with textures and colors.

I am most proud of my fearless nature – I am self taught and learning daily from others and the world around me. Originally from Oxford, North Carolina (a bird sanctuary city) is why most of my works include birds and themes of rebellion, freedom, flight, escape, and movement.

Art is my therapy, my expression, and my release. Painting is how I balance the logical and creative sides of my brain.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Non-creatives will struggle to understand my self-awareness and passion. I’ve been told many times that I am “crazy” or “have my head in the clouds”. Exploring through artistic expression, whether it is playing an instrument, dancing around your house, or throwing paint on a canvas allows non-creatives to disengage for a moment. I’d encourage non-creatives to steer into that awkwardness, give up control for a moment and allow your mind to wander. It is during those creative moments that I feel the most restored. Art is healing.

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

I believe that society can best support artists, creatives, and a thriving ecosystem by fostering inclusion. What I mean is that inclusion can be achieved by bringing creatives and non-creatives together to work on projects that benefit society at large. The more we can do to join our strengths and different viewpoints, the more innovative solutions can be found.   x  

Contact Info:

• Website: www.paintyourculture.com
• Instagram: thetechnicalcreative
• Facebook: DrWanita Dixon
• Linkedin: WanitaDixon
• Youtube: drdubsofficial