Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Smith.
Claire, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was in high school when I discovered my love for the arts. I was always a creative kid, but it wasn’t until my latter teen years that I thought “hmm, I could really do something with this.” Fast forward a little to college and after being overwhelmed with lists of majors and career paths to pick – few which included art – I almost dismissed art completely. I truly owe it all to my guidance counselor who sat me down one day before school started, told me I was being crazy for not following a passion, and – despite my arguing – added two art classes back on to my schedule. That specific moment is one of the main reasons I finished from Ole Miss with Studio Art as a second major, and ultimately the reason I’ve ended up in Austin, TX pursuing a career in the arts.
Right now, I studio assist for two artists in the Austin area as well as work remotely as a media analyst for a health insurance company. Along with working for both artists, I also learn and study under them which has unlocked many opportunities and ideas, and really enabled me to explore and grow in the world of professional art. Having that constant encouragement by people who understand what it’s like to break into the art workforce has given me the drive to continue down my own artistic path.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I would definitely consider myself in the “developing” stage of my art career. However, for the past few years my work has been focused around pattern and color. In school I was so focused on trying to develop some out-of-the-box, monumental idea or theme that I really started to burn myself out. I would overanalyze an idea for days before I could even get it on canvas and by then I hated the idea all together. After several failed attempts to start a project, I decided to take it back to the basics. I needed to figure out what it was in the beginning that sparked my passion for painting. From there it really boiled down to the fact that I liked to paint color and I liked to paint pattern. There’s something so fascinating to me about challenging and experimenting with two of the most basic art principles. For me it’s a way to stay focused (and sane) while still getting to explore the depths of creativity. I guess my overall message, for artists and non-artists, would really be to stop overthinking. Sometimes it’s pretty exciting to see what can come from simplicity.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
This was, and still is, my biggest concern when deciding to pursue an art career. I work several jobs and time management is the only way I’m able to balance financial obligations and still focus on expanding my work. Bills are expensive, and so are art supplies, so I’ve realized it’s okay to have a job that doesn’t have you focusing on your art 24/7. As long as you don’t quit and find time to keep creating, you’re going to keep moving forward (financially and in your own art career).
Side note: There are definitely still days where I struggle to take my own advice – I’d be lying if I said it was easy!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Right now people can find my work on my Instagram account @sclairesmithart and any email inquiries can go to sclairesmith2@gmail.com. No website right now, but one is in the works (hopefully before the first of the year)! And for anyone visiting the Austin area, some of my work is on display at Austin Art and Frame through the end of January. These can also be found on their website https://www.artframingservices.com.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 3182370043
- Email: sclairesmith2@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sclairesmithart (business account) or @sclairesmith (personal account)
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-claire-smith-6bb5458a/
Image Credit:
Detailed artwork shot – Paul Gandy
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