Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Mitchell.
Erin, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My earliest memories are of sitting on the floor drawing. It was my favorite thing to do.
The only thing that would really get my mind to just stop. My parents enrolled me maybe around elementary age to an art school & I took a cartooning class. Least to say I did not like anyone telling me how, when or what to draw. I pursued art in school & prepared for my portfolio & thesis my senior year of high school. I took several college credit courses as well.
My teacher at that time was very rigid. To the point of actually doing some of my work for me. At that point, I had total burn out. Art is a sacred place for me. It’s my soul that flows out & on whatever medium I choose. I thought I couldn’t do this with deadlines. It’s tainting the very thing I hold so precious. Being forced out of me rather than organically. So I stopped. I pursued some creative classes in college but not with the same passion.
And then a few years later, during a move & trying to pack everything between classes & 2 jobs, the new tenant of my former place who knew I was still moving things output my entire portfolio in the trash. I didn’t find out for 2 days. I did everything I could to recover it but the trash company said it was gone. Every single thing I had ever done including childhood drawings was gone.
Forever. It took me a decade to pick up a paintbrush. When I finally bought my canvas, it sat in the corner & mocked me for months. A good friend finally said, “rip that wrapping off & get to it”. And I haven’t stopped since.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
ENCOURAGING ARTISTS: I think social media is a catch 22 for artists of any kind. You get so much out there, but so does everybody else. Photography & prints can be stolen too easily this way. I think the best way to encourage artists to be able to really do this as a living is to visit galleries, seek out the artist, & buy what speaks to you. Just constant interaction. And when you find an artist you love, share it with the world! Personally, I have realized networking is a constant job to get your work out there. You never get to a place & sit back & chill. You have to promote yourself & other artists. Collaborate with other artists & businesses. It still is in some ways all in who you know.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You can see my work on my website. You can follow me on Instagram for my latest works, current & upcoming exhibitions. You can also check me out on Facebook. All commissions or purchases can be made by emailing me.
Contact Info:
- Website: erinmitchellart.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @erinmitchellart
- Facebook: Erin Mitchell Art
Image Credit:
@magnoliamags MAGGIE MCKENNEY PHOTOGRAPHY
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