Meet Blake Treadway

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Blake Treadway a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Blake , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

My journey to artistic creativity has been a profound odyssey of self-discovery and healing. By delving into the depths of my soul, I’ve unearthed long-buried childhood memories that were waiting to be acknowledged and embraced. This introspective voyage has unlocked a channel of boundless creativity within me, which I now express through the fluid, delicate strokes of watercolor painting. I realized that to truly tap into my artistic potential, I had to escape the confines of my mind and immerse myself in the warmth of my heart. It is through living a heart-centered existence that my art flourishes, as my open heart becomes the wellspring of my creative expression. This alignment with my true self ensures that my creative juices remain ever abundant, flowing freely and vibrantly onto the paper.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Before two years ago, I had never ventured into the realm of art. A long string of injuries slowed my pace, gifting me the time and space to embrace the delicate bloom of water and paint. This newfound passion soon caught the eye of my local art community, leading to an invitation to the esteemed Smith & Vallee Gallery’s February bird invitational in 2022, and a piece in the spring juried show at the Jansen Art Center in Lynden, WA, that same year. My journey from obscurity to recognition saw me selling my first original piece, followed by prints that quickly sold out. This success culminated in a request for a commissioned piece, further cementing my heart in the art world. Recently, I was honored with an invitation to claim a small corner of the artist coop in Fairhaven, WA, at The Heron’s Nest Gallery. Here, my prints and a select few originals, including my celebrated piece Squamish Dream, are on display. This particular work garnered an Honorable Mention out of over 400 entries in Art & Color 365 magazine’s spring 2024 issue, a testament to the vibrant and heartfelt journey my art has taken me on.

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?

Looking back, the three qualities that illuminated my path most brilliantly were childlike curiosity, a beginner’s mind, and time spent in nature. These elements intertwined like vibrant threads in the tapestry of my artistic journey. Childlike curiosity allowed me to view the world with wonder, each moment a potential masterpiece waiting to be discovered. Embracing a beginner’s mind kept me open to learning, unencumbered by the weight of preconceived notions. Time in nature served as my muse, the beauty of the natural world infusing my work with its timeless essence. For those embarking on their own journeys, I offer this advice: believe in yourself and nurture your inquisitive spark. When it fades, reconnect with your inner child, allowing it to bloom like a delicate splatter of paint into a wet wash, creating something unexpectedly beautiful. Embrace the adventure with an open heart, for it is through this lens that true artistry is born.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When the weight of the world becomes too much to bear, I retreat to the embrace of nature. This is not advice, but rather what works for me. My connection to the outdoor world, through the exhilarating rush of mountain biking, the serene patience of fly fishing, and the simple joy of walking in the woods, offers me a sanctuary. The natural world is a boundless source of inspiration for my art, each leaf, river, and mountain whispering secrets of beauty and creativity. It simultaneously soothes my soul, enveloping me in a tranquil container that restores my sense of equanimity. In nature’s embrace, I find both peace and inspiration, a harmonious balance that rejuvenates my spirit and rekindles my creative flame.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @blaketreadwayart
• Other: To purchase original works, prints, or to request a commissioned piece: [email protected]