We recently had the chance to connect with Nancy Cox and have shared our conversation below.
Nancy, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
When I say that I am a fine artist, at times I see a far away wistful look and receive comments back along the lines of “how fun.” I respect where these responses are coming from since there’s a great deal of uninspiring jobs out there and lack of time to pursue artistic goals. And I am grateful that I have the luxury of time in order to make art. But as I strive to listen as I am told about challenges in work lives I tell about challenges in mine. Because all work- no matter the nature of it- presents challenges.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a fine artist very concerned about design. I see with a designer’s eye and vision. Let me elaborate:
My approach in setting up a still life, the design of a flower in my garden which inspires me to arrange a group of them in a vase and paint them, the pattern of light and shadow in a landscape which creates form and movement, the choices I make as I compose elements in my abstract compositions- I see in terms of design.
My unique vision expresses itself in various forms. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, cut paper, drawing and collage are some of my mediums.
I am passionate about art- all of its history and in my lifelong pursuit in making it. I am never “done” and I will never “arrive.” Creativity is limitless.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
A boy I met in art school became my friend who grew to know me well, encouraged me along the way as we were learning together and loved me unconditionally. This “friend” became my husband.
He continues to see me.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I think “wound” might be too strong of a word for this but a rejection occurred this past summer which felt really hard. It was the juror’s decision to not invite two pieces I entered to be included in a show in which my work had been included in the past.
I’ve entered enough competitions to guard myself from certainty of outcome but in my excitement I showed various people (and lots of fellow artists) my entries and received wonderful, positive and excited comments back which gave me pause. So it was certainly a letdown to get this rejection.
I am happy to say that I took all my negative emotional energy generated and got to work on paintings with challenging subject matter. And I believe these pieces are some of my strongest work as of late.
I can’t control outcomes. “Will my painting be included in a show? “Will I sell?” But I CAN strive to do excellent work.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes.
I’m way too transparent. I wouldn’t be able to fool anybody. Not that I would try to fool anybody. I think that’s boring and way too prevalent. If we’d all just be ourselves, in my estimation, the world would be a lot more interesting.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I saw them for who they really were and didn’t judge them but loved them and were for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nancycoxartwork.com/
- Instagram: nancycox_artwork
Image Credits
not applicable
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