We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adam Anglin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adam below.
Adam, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Knowing everyone deals with imposter syndrome is not enough to overcome the feelings of insecurity that an artist has to deal with. I try my best to live into the mantra “no one knows anything” and be ok to be on the journey of self discovery in terms of my artistic development. Every piece I create is taking me further down the path of figuring out who I am as an artist and my work will continue to improve as a result. This idea of self discovery keeps me going. I’ve learned how to be ok with never arriving and always in discovery mode. Discovering what I’m capable of, discovering what else I have to offer, discovering how to get better. The next thing pushes me onward. The other big thing, and this is maybe more obvious, but be in your craft everyday. Do the work. Be disciplined. Don’t wait for inspiration. That shit is toxic thinking. Love the work and be in it daily.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a painter from Denver, CO. I’m married to Erin and we have 2 wonderful kids. My wife runs her own architecture firm here in the city. I grew up in the south but have called Denver home for the past 16 years. We love it here. Currently, I’ve been focused on my work as a fine artist. My work combines landscape and flat 2d abstract forms together. Lately this work has been an examination of how synthetic experiences keep us from the natural world and diminish our presence with people. I love the influence of pop art in my work. Bold bright colors overlaying vast western landscapes that call the viewer to step out of themselves. These are the big themes of my work. This fall I have my first solo exhibition at a gallery in Boulder, CO. It’s my first solo show and it will run from September-October. More info can be found at https://thecrowdboulder.com/gallery
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?
My first thought is not being afraid to try something new. Be OK to be in the position of someone who is learning, growing and curious. I think I held myself back by not pursuing painting earlier in my life. I’ve missed so many opportunities, but that’s ok! There is still so much time to work on my craft and pursue future opportunities for me as an artist. The second would be to be honest about what you’re good at and what is easy for you to commit yourself to. There is no amount of self-determination that will move you to create or grow to get you where you want to go if it’s not in your DNA. I don’t have to work up the energy to create art. It’s simply a matter of figuring out where to focus that energy. Find the thing in your life that lives in this category. Diving in will be so much easier and worthwhile. The last is to ask for help or insight when you have the chance. Be willing to learn from those who have come before you. Find people who will be “for you”. Ask for counsel, pay for consultations. No need to go this journey alone.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
I love this question because one of the surprising things I’ve discovered about being a fine artist is that my clients are most often people who have never purchased fine art or didn’t think they were the “kind of person” who would ever buy fine art. Typically it’s someone who loves color and conceptual art but likes that this work is rooted in the natural world. My work is not too surreal so that kind of otherworldly aesthetic is not my kind of client. There is a visceral connection to art that is needed to move someone to want to buy a piece of work. I like tapping into those connections. A typical client for me has been younger professionals or young families looking to support artists in a real way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adamanglin.com
- Instagram: @adamanglinart
Image Credits
Photography by Kara Pearson – karapearson.com
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