Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Normandin.
Hi Adam, 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 have always been creative. Making art comes naturally to me and painting has always been of particular interest. Still, after college, I pursued a more “conventional” route, with insurance sales and investment banking. Back then, I was interested in becoming a lawyer, but I quickly realized that I lacked any passion for law. Instead, I signed up for weekend Art-in-the-Park festivals, where I could show the world what I was really passionate about. These festivals were accessible to young and inexperienced artists like me, and I really enjoyed the sense of freedom they offered. The only problem was that I just couldn’t muster enough income to survive and develop my business. So, I began to pursue more commercial applications with my creative skillset. I painted product prototypes for large companies. Mostly toy industry, but others too. Happily, this turned out to be a good fit and I moved up in the ranks very quickly. I also kept up with weekend art festivals in my off hours. Needless to say, I was busy back then, but I absolutely loved the balance of a dual career. For me, the security of the day job allowed for freedom and risk-taking as a young artist.
With time, my fine art paintings began to get attention from art galleries across the country and abroad. My bank account was starting to smile. So, I put the prototype painting and festivals aside and held on tight for the ride. At this point, my only strategy was to exhibit with as many galleries that would have me …wherever, whenever. I felt extremely lucky and my days were spent making paintings and juggling exhibitions. For the first time, it felt as though my career was taking shape.
Now, after many years with this dynamic, I am still pursuing gallery exhibitions. Still navigating my way forward and developing a body of paintings based upon my ideals and aesthetics. At this point, I must admit that I am somewhat more selective about exhibitions and my priorities are different. Perhaps just an after effect of a world dealing with COVID, or maybe it’s just part of getting older… I really couldn’t say. For most of my career, I was just thrilled to get by. But now, I find myself considerably more focused on what I have to say with my paintings.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Struggle is a familiar theme to me. Somehow, we always wind up face to face. As far as I’m concerned, overcoming struggle is part of the deal, if not the ultimate point of it all. Each of us must navigate our own path through. This process can leave evidence; Noticeable marks that develop with time and experience. Wrinkles or scars in the mirror tell this story very well. The way I see things, the passing of time and effects of use are what makes each of us unique …beautiful. For me, a smooth road wouldn’t be nearly as interesting. This concept is at the heart of my paintings.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I find poetry in ordinary, mundane settings. Mostly, I am drawn to commonplace things, battered by use, forgotten or overlooked with time. I am known mostly for my hyper-realist paintings of freight trains, graffiti and the American landscape.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
My website and Instagram: normandinstudio
Contact Info:
- Website: www.adamnormandin.com
- Instagram: normandinstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.normandin.1
