Meet Pam Ewell

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pam Ewell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pam below.

Hi Pam, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

I was grappling with this issue and wondering if I was a “real” artist or not. After all, if I’m a creative professional, it should come naturally, right? I wondered if my mentors dealt with this and wondered how they address it. This led me to start my own podcast interviewing artists asking them for advice on this topic and more! (At the Heart of Art Podcast) I have found through numerous interviews that this seems to be a universal issue. My guests seem to address it one of two ways; either walk away and take a break to regroup, or push through immediately. For me, I took that advice and try both, depending on my frustration level. Sometimes I keep pushing, sometimes I take a break. However, if I take a long break, I’ve found that it gets overwhelming to return to it.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I began art(other than a basic school course here and there) in my 30’s. I took two drawing courses at my local college and fell in love! Shortly after starting classes as a stay-at-home mom, I returned to work as a teacher. Therefore there were many years I didn’t touch art. I’ve recently retired from teaching and have been thrilled to immerse myself in art and my local art community. I love to learn so I signed up for a weekly art course that became difficult with my family’s needs. That’s when I was told by a mentor about an online art school she had attended, (Milan Art Institute). I love the freedom to work at my own pace. I actually do MORE art now because I am working at home between family obligations.
My current series is painting “bold women”, beautiful women of all shapes and sizes. I’ve gotten great feedback on them so far and hope to keep exploring women and figures.
I’m enjoying using a variety of media in these mixed media pieces (inks, gelli-printing, metal leaf, texture, and lots of gorgeous layers.)
While I have work available online, I love doing vendor booth type events where I can interact with customers and other artists. Selling isn’t necessarily the best part, although it’s rewarding, of course. A favorite customer moment was when a tween girl walked in to my booth. She asked, “Did you do all of this?!?” I said, “Yes.” Her jaw dropped, she rushed over to me and said, “High Five!!”
Another great memory was when a lady admired my upcycled works. She was so excited and asked to commission me to do an upcycled portrait of her family. It was so rewarding brainstorming with her, making her vision become a reality, and seeing her family’s reaction to the finished triptych.

My other passion project is my podcast. I have interviewed local, national, and international artists about their insights, motivations, and processes. I learn so much personally from these episodes. I’ve recorded over 30 episodes so far. Each one is full of unique stories for each featured artist. I hope to continue and include other art guests such as gallerists. I’m honored to have regular listeners who support my little adventure.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Initiative has really propelled me into my art community. I had to have initiative to dive into my intensive art program. I had initiative when I started my podcast. When I have an art idea, it takes initiative to start the work and avoid hesitation. Going to art social events can feel intimidating, so initiative is important to get there! If you are considering the art piece, the class, the event, the project; go for it. You don’t want regrets!

Another skill that has been crucial for my growth is networking! Stepping out of my comfort zone to attend art events is always fulfilling and a learning experience, too. Sometimes I’m feeling shy, but I never regret pushing myself to go to a local art event, to meet other artists, to participate and learn from those more experienced than me. It allows me to make friends, collect art, and find potential guests besides getting inspiration and tips!

The other necessary quality I enjoy is passion. I love art with such a passion that my world revolves around it. I love exploring styles, my own and others who are different from me as well. Without passion for art and artists, none of this would be worthwhile. Don’t get so busy with your “work” that you lose your passion for what you love.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Confidence has always been a challenge for me. My inner critic is very loud and discouraging. I still struggle with art rejections. I’m learning that it’s just part of the process, very subjective, and grows personal fortitude. I keep trying and sometimes I get into an art exhibit or sell a piece and then it’s all worth it. One way I am working on my confidence is by getting a mentor for my classes. I put myself in the position to be critiqued, and I’m learning that’ work can be good and still have room for improvement. It’s not a failure just because it needs a tweak here or there. It’s giving me confidence as I take criticism and love the feedback rather than thinking the worst of my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pamewellart.artcall.org/
• Instagram: the.artfulsoul and heart.of.art.podcast
• Other: Spotify or major audio platforms :
  At the Heart of Art Podcast

Image Credits

Headshot-Robin Thompson