We recently connected with Wendy Digel and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Wendy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am happy as an artist. Having my own faux finishing business allows my creativity to continue to grow. For me it is far more rewarding in many ways than a regular job could be.

For one, I do enjoy the physicality of the job. Everything from mixing five-gallon buckets of plaster to spending the day working on a ladder or sitting on the floor working on a kitchen island. I am grateful to be in good physical condition so that I can do the work on a daily basis. Have I pushed myself too far on occasion and had injury? Yes, I have. I have had some strains and pains over the years. But sitting at a desk all day tears me to pieces. Plus, I could never get formally dressed and “put together” to work in that environment. I love to grab a pair of pants and a t-shirt out of the drawer in the morning without even having the lights on.

It is creatively satisfying work, too. I live in a world of color and texture. Since I am an abstract artist at heart, that is enjoyable. Would I rather be working in my studio every day selling “fine art pieces” instead? The honest answer would be yes, because since I was a little kid that is what I wanted to do. But working in this trade puts my artistic skills to use. And I’ve gotten to share them with so many customers over the years.

And THAT is where some of the truest happiness has come!

Most of my work has been residential as opposed to commercial. People are different at home than they are at work and working in people’s homes is different than an office or retail environment. It is an intimate setting. Most customers don’t think of me as a contractor. They call me an artist. Most are gracious and hospitable. And while I think of myself as an introvert, I have come to treasure the very deep personal connections I have made with my customers over the years. Lovely deep connections with people whose paths I would not have crossed in regular daily life. But when you are there in their home, you see all the ups and downs we all experience in our lives. I’ve been in their homes when fabulous and glorious things have occurred and as well as heartbreaking moments. It has taught me to be much more compassionate and empathetic for others. I’ve told more than a few, “just let it all out! whatever you need to vent – I am here and I am not going to judge you!” Some times just being a kind listening ear is all any of us need. Plus where else do you get hugs at the end of a workday?

For example, I have a customer for whom I’ve done a few plaster projects. She lives a little farther away than many of my customers, but I do not mind driving out to her. She is a nurse at a hospital who is very dedicated to her family and church. Most recently I did her bedroom. She had very specific colors (purple and gold) in mind which had religious symbolism for her. Getting the finish just right was a little difficult, but in the end it was a beautiful deep purple plaster that looked like shimmery velvet. When covid hit, I worried greatly about her (as I did about all my customers who were nurses). In August of 2020 I got a text from her out of the blue. It read: “How are you? Hope you’re managing well in covid 2020. I’m still getting goosies just enjoying my walls. Be safe and keep healthy.” I answered her back:” Awww! Thanks. I hope it has been a sanctuary in all this stress. I’ve been thinking about you in all this, praying for your safety. You nurses are amazing people. Very busy here. Being vigilant about my safety.” She went on to thank me for my prayers and tell me about how she almost lost a battle to covid in the early days of it all. Her parents and siblings took care of her at home. She finished by saying:” I’m praying for you too. My walls have been a beautiful, inviting respite for me and a joyous way to cross the threshold to home after many long days. What a great way you spread joy.”

So there it is, I get to spread joy.

Wendy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have a bachelor of fine arts degree from Ringling College of Art and Design. I was actually a fine arts major. So, technically I am working closer to my degree than many people do. I originally started working in a graphic arts position at a small software company. I couldn’t stand working in an office. At the time I had a friend that was working for a lady doing faux finishing. I constantly pestered him to get me a job. I drove him nuts about it. Finally one day he called and said she was looking for help. She hired me and I learned on the job. I spent years working with a crew, many as a foreman, but it wasn’t exactly a healthy work environment (don’t ask! – I’ve had a couple of horrible bosses). I eventually started working with someone who was in the business as well but also sold faux finishing products and taught classes. I eventually bought the business from her in 2011.

I do all kinds of faux finishes. Glazing and all kinds of different plasters. Smooth finishes and textures. Soft and subtle finishes as well as bold accents and patterns. While I mostly do residential spaces, I also do commercial work as well. I do walls, ceilings, cabinets, trimwork and even art pieces. I have customers with all kinds of different styles: modern, traditional, french country, farmhouse, etc. I love finding just the right finish for every customer – combining color and technique in a way that is just right.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I spent many years working for other people, working hard on the jobsite being productive. I enjoyed (and still do) the hard work, but I knew nothing about the business side, especially the marketing. When I bought the business, times were not great and it was very small window of time to make a decision. I had to suddenly take it all over. And despite the fact that I had always wanted to have my own business, I had never developed any skills for that endeavor. I wish I had taken classes or workshops to develop those skills.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

A few years back when I was working on a project with a colleague, he said to me, “How long do you think we can realistically do this kind of work? With the big ladders and scaffolding and long hard hours? What else can we do?” So it has been on my mind ever since. At the beginning of this year I decided it was time to start exploring how to add a new path to my creative journey. I want to have more freedom with my time and be able to reach a wider audience with my work. I plan to do surface pattern design. I’m still not sure what form exactly it will take, but I am currently working on my first collection. Slowly but surely, I am working on it. It is scary and exciting in many different ways. But I want to keep my head up looking forward, developing new skills while still enjoying what I do now.

Contact Info:

• Website: atlantafaux.com
• Instagram: atlantafaux

Image Credits
Pat Hart