Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Koplin.
Hi Jamie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started making art when I was in 2nd grade. It was my sweet escape from a harsh childhood. At that time, I was working with pencils and crayons. Since then, I’ve studied art history, worked with several different mediums, and I currently focus on Watercolor and Inks (with some acrylic work sprinkled in). When I’m making art, I’m totally in the Flow of things. It’s like a meditation for me. I’m very mindful with my work, even though I sometimes have to work quickly. I’ve always loved making art, as well as crafting with my hands. I’ve branched out from fine arts a bit, and have a solid background with Knitting, Cooking, Cross Stitch, and Embroidery. Fabric arts are my 2nd favorite kind of art!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This has definitely not been a smooth journey for me. I’ve had many obstacles in my way, from helping to raise my brother and sister to Working 3 jobs at once, I hardly had time to create. During and after college was when I really was able to take the time to learn how to work with different mediums. During that time, I would commission graphite portraits of people and animals, as well as exploring with Oils and Acrylic paints. I’ve always been fascinated with Watercolors and Ink and struggled to learn watercolors for years until it actually clicked. There was a lot of frustration for me learning watercolors in the beginning, and one of the biggest lessons it taught me was how to be patient with myself as well as knowing when to STOP. Now I love working with Watercolor and Ink.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in Watercolor and Inks, together. I’m known for my landscapes and portraits in those mediums. I’m most proud of the progress I’ve made over the years painting and drawing with these mediums. I think my favorite piece is a landscape I did of a hidden cabin near a cliff. It’s my favorite because it was really my first successful piece I made, and I was able to make all of my “happy accidents” work for me instead of giving up on the piece and throwing it out!
I think what sets me apart from others is my love for Graphic Art / Graphic Novels. I take a graphic art approach to making fine art. I’m able to produce landscapes and portraits with a little bit of a twist.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I’ve learned that having time to yourself is important. It really comes down to realizing you don’t always have to be in “GO” mode. It’s important to do things you love to balance life out. It’s an amazing feeling at the end of a day to look back and see what you created, and sometimes how much you’ve done without having a plan.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: JamieKoplinStudios
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AestheteElements
Image Credits
All photos were taken by Jamie Koplin.
