Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Young.
Adam, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in a very loving family in a small southwest Louisiana town. my brothers and I were always outside on our bikes, in the woods, in ditches catching crawfish, building forts or involved in other adventures. My love of nature and the outdoors developed at this early age. I didn’t really know about art growing up, although my upbringing and childhood greatly influence my work. after leaving Louisiana a couple of years after high school, I moved to Austin where I soaked in the music and culture of this city. Then, after moving to the craziness of Philadelphia for a couple of years, I found the yearning for home and headed back south. it was at this point where I turned my focus to making things. building structures, furniture and making paintings and sculptures. I have been given many opportunities in life and for that, I am forever grateful. I really try to never squander the chance to take on something that challenges me. And I am so appreciative of the people who continue to inspire me and push me along this path.
I have been a longtime resident of Austin where I live with my beautiful wife and our amazing daughter. I have a small business working for myself as a custom woodworker and metalworker called Old Crow Custom Works. The name comes from liking the imagery that the words evoke for me.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I make structures, furniture, sculptures, and paintings among other things. I’m inspired by the rawness of nature, the beauty, and emotion in music, and the stories of places and people. everybody has a story. I love the smallness of the world. we are all connected. That is the message. I want people to take away what they need to from my work, but my hope is to leave the viewer/participant with an emotional experience.
Most of my work utilizes the materials that I work with on a day to day basis. Wood and steel. And paint. The wood that I like to use has a story of having lived on this earth a very long time and has had multiple lives. in my visual art, I try to weave together a sense of storytelling, poetry, natural elements, imaginary events as well as local lore. Also, paintings may be nods to heroes, family, friends, and those I do not know.
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?
I don’t know if I’m qualified to answer this one as it is a difficult path and I wouldn’t say we are on easy street by any means, but here goes… challenge yourself. Stay positive. Be patient. Listen to your inner self and others, say yes to every opportunity to get your work in front of people. Be willing and eager to work hard. Most importantly is to stay true to yourself, you will ultimately be most happy. And follow the most important rule of life, be nice to people. Be kind… no one wants to work with a jerk.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
For my visual gallery work, the best way to see the work is by attending the opening or stopping in at a gallery when I have the opportunity to do a show. For “build” type work there are bars, restaurants, and residential homes to visit… there is also my website, which is currently being updated or Instagram. The best way to support me and my family is by purchasing work (visual, furniture, or otherwise) or by commissioning work or commissioning a building project.
Contact Info:
- Website: oldcrowaustin.com
- Email: oldcrowaustin@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/oldcrowadam
Image Credit:
Adam young and Phil Jackson
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