Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexie Harrell
Hi Lexie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in New Mexico. Being near the art scene of the Santa Fe and Taos area, I grew up knowing that the arts were valued and respected in my community. I always loved drawing and painting, and I went on to study art at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA and at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. In my twenties I worked various jobs including graphic designer, photographer, and working for an art gallery in Los Angeles, but I always painted on the side. When Covid happened, it seemed like the time to reevaluate and reflect on what was important to me, and I decided to give an art career the time and effort I hadn’t devoted to it before. Since then, it’s been a journey of personal and professional discovery and a constant learning process. Over the past two years I’ve been exhibiting at art fairs including The Other Art Fair Los Angeles, Superfine San Francisco, and Art San Diego. I’m constantly creating new work in my studio in Los Angeles, making commissioned artwork for homes and businesses, and continuously learning how to promote myself and build my audience. It’s an ongoing process, and I feel so lucky to be doing what I’m doing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When you’re an artist, you’re basically running an entire business yourself. Not only are you making the product—your artwork—but you’re also responsible for building your brand, photographing your work, building and managing your website, social media marketing, packing and shipping orders, and customer service. It’s a constant struggle to manage time effectively and avoid burnout.
It’s so important to have a strong support network and to build personal resilience. When you’re building a career in the arts, there are always a million reasons not to do it, and you can always find well-meaning people who will tell you to quit and to try something more stable. Building resilience is crucial. When a show fails, when you don’t make the sales you were hoping to make, or when people are discouraging you from continuing, you have to teach yourself to try again anyway. Remembering what inspires you, doing the work that makes you happy and gives you fulfillment, and leaning on those people in your life who support your goals are all so important.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in creating abstract paintings that connect with viewers on an emotional level. I use metallic pigments and heavy textures to design compositions that interact and evolve with natural light to create a sense of movement and depth, enriching their surroundings and offering viewers a meditative and varied visual experience. I hope that my work can create moments of reflection and a sense of calm. The arts have always been what clear my mind and give me a moment of centeredness, so I hope my work can do the same for others.
I primarily work with acrylics but also occasionally paint with oils and other media. I love to draw and I’m always sketching, usually outside in one of the local public parks in Los Angeles. I’m always trying to learn new methods and techniques. The act of constantly learning and growing is important to me.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support me is to attend events I’m participating in, buy some art, and share my work with friends. To get updates on new exhibits and collection launches, either follow me on Instagram or go to my website and join my email list to receive updates. I’m always open to collaborating! Anyone interested in a collaboration can get in touch through my website or Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lexieharrell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexieharrell_art
