We caught up with the brilliant and insightful AJ Oishi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi AJ, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I think my optimism has genetically been a part of me since I was born. I’ve always had a very optimistic point of view, often seeing the positive in any situation I find myself in, but my optimism has developed and been reinforced by the positive outcomes that have happened during the most wonderful and most challenging times of my life. My mom used to say I walked between the raindrops because my outlook always allowed me to see the brighter side of everything. Even during times of challenge, I know that things will get better… that there is an ebb and flow to life, relationships, and situations. I also think that I had a phenomenal system of support around me as a child, and many people around to show me how to problem solve rather than focus and dwell on the problem at hand. As an adult, I surround myself with people that can appreciate and share the optimistic point of view I have. I think lastly, my optimism comes from a clear vision of where I want my life to go. Even as a young child, I knew I would live a happy life. A life that provided passion and a strong sense of love and meaning. This allows me to look optimistically at life… and all the little nuances that get thrown our way.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an abstract pointillist. I use a #2 pencil eraser, dipped in paint, as my tool to create my paintings. Starting out as a stay at home mom that desired more art on my walls, I quickly fell into the art world. 6 months into my first dot, I participated in my first show in San Francisco. Not knowing anything about how to pull a collection together, pricing, or shipping, I took a chance on a 3-day show. By the end of the weekend, I had sold all of my paintings. My journey as an artist had begun, and to this day many of the walls in my home are still empty.
I am represented by many galleries throughout North America, and happily paint every day of my life. The creative process is calming and peaceful, and the hours I spend each day working on new paintings, are some of the most favorite hours of my day. I am inspired by color and color combinations, and know that because these combinations are endless, I have the ability to paint for the rest of my life.
In March (3/20-3/24)I will be in NYC for the Affordable Art Fair with KW Contemporary, a contemporary art gallery in Kennebunk, ME. The show will showcase work below $12500, and is a fantastic show in the heart of Chelsea.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities that are the most impactful on my art journey have been confidence, organization, and communication.
Artists live in a world of subjectivity and preference. Often you will find people who do not like your work. And often you find people who love your work. Having the confidence to put my work out in public required a confidence that allowed me to not worry what others thought.
Organization is the backbone to my art business. Having been a professional at companies like Nike, and Gap, I learned early on the importance of being well organized. The 2nd best part of my art business is my interest in inventory management, sales tracking, and production leadtimes. Almost as important as my creation of art, the organizational work I do allows me to stay on track, meet my deadlines, and be a good partner to my clients and galleries.
Lastly, communication is key to all successful relationships and business. I am working daily with my business partners, as well as with my husband who runs my behind-the-scenes work for my business. I need my partners to know what I am painting for them, when I will be shipping, and for them to know I am valuing their business. It’s another part of the total success of the art world, and my business.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My husband has been with me for over 15 years watching and participating in the growth of my art business. I started out as a stay-at home mom to three daughters and was perfectly content being their mom, and stepping away from the professional world. Finding art, and stumbling into a world where my art was being demanded, created an opportunity for me to step back into the professional world, but do it in a slow thoughtful way. My husband has supported me the whole way. In the past 5-7 years, as my time has opened up to be a full-time artist, my husband has stepped into the roll of being a full-time support to all things art. When I feel overwhelmed, he reminds me of all the other times I’ve felt overwhelmed and worked through it. When I don’t know how to do something, he is always the first one to say it can be done, and helps me figure out how to accomplish it. His support has made it possible for me to continue striving and reaching bigger and bigger goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ajoishi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajoishi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajoishi
Image Credits
Portrait photos by Christopher Keels. Studio photos by Benjamin Scot Photography
