Meet Amelia Audish

We were lucky to catch up with Amelia Audish recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amelia, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

Being a part of local art organizations in my community, teaching art, and attending art fairs and museums are all some of the ways that help me keep creativity alive. There are several local artist groups in my area which I find are incredibly important and helpful both mentally and artistically. When I’m with other artists and creatives, I’m reminded of the creative spirit that unites us, the struggles and triumphs that specifically artists experience, and I love celebrating with my artist friends when they succeed. Encouragement is so huge in keeping the creative flame burning.
Teaching art classes always gives me a kick in the pants to keep going and moving forward. I teach beginning level art classes and am always interested in seeing and hearing what others know. I truly learn from those I’m teaching. Making mistakes is inevitable in life and art. I want to not fear that, but learn from those mistakes. I hope to convey that to my students as well. Learning to do anything is full of risks.
I find going to art fairs, exhibits, and museums can be great to get the creative juices flowing. I love to see how other artists express those things that are compelling to them.

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

I’ve always had an interest in art and creative things, but didn’t really pursue it until after I had my children. I initially began painting with watercolor when they were young because it was easy to clean up and not smelly. I kept pursuing learning to draw and paint by taking classes every once in a while with local community classes and, later on, occasional workshops with professional watercolor artists. I have mostly learned by self-education through books and lots of practice.
Right now, I’m focusing on maintaining a consistent art practice and am really at the beginning of building a business from art. I’ve found some success in entering juried exhibits and shows, finding galleries for my work, and am in the process of creating my web site in order to sell my originals and prints.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities that have been impactful for me are 1. Determination – don’t give up. If you really want to learn how to paint, sculpt, write a book or play the tuba, etc., there will be the inevitable period of learning how to. It takes time and practice and work to become excellent. 2. Curiosity – feed your soul with those things that will encourage you in your venture. Take classes. Find people who are accomplished at the thing you’re trying to learn and, if possible, talk with them or read about them, their habits, strengths and weaknesses. Educate yourself and ask questions. 3. Develop good habits and work practices. It’s never too late. You’re never too old to begin.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I am feeling overwhelmed, I try to think what is the one next thing I can do at that moment. Sometimes that simply means taking the dog for a walk, which often helps to clear my head. If it’s keeping me up at night, making a list of all the things that are bothering me is helpful just to get it out of my head. Often, listening to calming music is part of what helps. For a few months last year, I listened to falling rain on Spotify. Ultimately, a lot of what I’m trying to do is about finding the beautiful things that feed my soul and moves me past the stress. The world needs art and artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ameliaaudish.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameliaaudishfineart/