DPW Spotlight Interview: Jamie Wick

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Jamie's painting "Sunset Study #9" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Jamie's DPW Gallery Page:

Since I was little I have always loved to observe things and imagine how I would recreate the light, color, texture and movement. But I never actually attempted to until High School. I wasn’t very good at it, but loved learning all of the different mediums and techniques. I quickly grew a passion for it and for better understanding what I was capable of. (click to read more)

What did you want to be growing up?

I wanted to be a fashion designer or work in advertising. Instead, I now do accounting full time with art as my hobby. I look forward to retiring when I can focus on art full time.

Sunset Study #9
(click to view)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the DPW home page announcing Jamie's interview.

When did your artistic journey begin?

I have always loved creating, but don’t know that I was good at it. When I was in High School, I had an art teacher that I had adored. She made me feel that I had potential and I really wanted to please her so I worked harder. I made sure that I was in her class all four years. 

Did you have long periods without creative expression? How did you get back on the horse?

I would say all through my twenties I had lost touched with my passion and didn’t feel I was good enough to continue with it. I remember my husband at the time really loved ducks and was an ambassador for a duck foundation. I had drawn him a picture of a duck which in turn, he had donated to an auction for that foundation. At the time, I was upset that he donated his gift, but then I had seen people start bidding on the drawing and the dollar amount it ended up generating made me feel a sense of accomplishment and that I was possibly good enough. I have been pushing myself and challenging myself ever since.

The Reliance
(click to view)

Which mediums and genres do you gravitate toward? Which ones don’t appeal?

I use acrylics from time to time, but I have always loved charcoals and pastels. The idea and feel of moving pigment with my hands on the paper. I have tried watercolors a few times, but I don’t find I get the deep contrast in values that I love and the medium seems a lot less forgiving so I tend to stay away from it. I love pushing the colors found in landscapes that typically go unseen and there is something so fun about birds that I love to paint them as well. 

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?

A lot of trial and error and something I still feel I am continuously working at.

Untitled
(click to view)

Name an artist (or artists), well-known or not, who you admire. Why?

Teresa Saia is one of my most favorite pastelists because of the risks she takes with her bold colors and lighting. I was fortunate enough to take a workshop from her a few years ago and will always value what I had taken away from it.

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be?

Don’t let the fear of failure stop you. Learn from your mistakes and move on.

Snow Geese on Sunday
(click to view)

Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?

This is definitely not something I am good at and am easily distracted. I do find myself more creative on rainy days where I can light some candles and make myself cozy.

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?

I will typically set it aside and work on something else. I feel that if I look at it long enough I can see what it is that is bothering me about it and I can make the changes I need.

Motionless Glow
(click to view)

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

I have been really trying to show my art more in shows and galleries. My long term goal is to teach art in small class settings.

What does success mean to you personally?

I personally value a sense of accomplishment whether that's finishing up a piece that has taken me a while or that I have struggled with or by being accepted into a juried show that I was really hoping to participate in.

A Light in the Dark
(click to view)

What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

I would say recently I had participated in a two-day art festival. I went the extra mile this time in making my booth and display look creative and professional. I was very proud of the outcome and had nearly sold out on the first day of the show.

Thanks, Jamie!

© 2021 Sophie Marine