Meet Megan McCarthy

We recently connected with Megan McCarthy and have shared our conversation below.

Megan, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

Honestly I’ve always considered myself a “glass half empty” person. Not that I’ve been pessimistic, but I due tend to anticipate and prepare for the worst. I believe embracing creativity and making it a priority in my life has helped me become more of a “glass half full” person. Beginning with my first painting workshop in France in 2019, I now realize just how very fortunate I am to be able to build my life around my art. For me, any creative act brings me joy, and I think with that joy comes optimism.

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?

This is my 5th year as a professional artist – I started Megan Gael McCarthy Art in 2020, and I believe timing is everything. During a global event that most people struggled with, I was reconnecting with my creative soul and immersing myself in my painting. When I started on this journey, I had no idea just how much would happen over the next 5 years.

As a professional artist I’ve become part of an amazing community of creatives, I’ve had the opportunity to have my artwork out in the world in so many unique venues and galleries, and I’ve continued to nurture my mental and emotional health. My art has brought opportunities to give back to others through fundraising projects for Save the Children, Southern Poverty Law Center, Access Gallery’s programs for disabled artists, Colorado Chautauqua, Calwood Education Center and Open Studios Boulder.

Stylistically I’ve been influenced by other brilliant artists, and I’m excited how my own work continues to evolve. Last year I created a completely unique collection, Exploring the Nature of Origins, where I focused on the initial application of paint to canvas. Where in the past my pieces involved multiple layers of paint applied over time, in this collection I was striving to capture the essence of the artwork in that first phase. Through this process I learned so much about restraint, conveying my message with less information and the beauty of minimalism.

Art has always been a way of expressing complicated subjects and feelings, and I’m excited to be working on a collaborative project addressing the myriad of social concerns facing our world today. What’s Going On is an exhibition where visual artists are interpreting the words and music of songs addressing these issues, such as Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. We are highlighting how varied the interpretations of the same message can be and how powerful the many art forms are, even more so when they are combined. Watch for this exhibit to be on display in 2026!

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?

For anyone pursuing a new career that follows their passion, I would say connect with as many professionals as you can. Why learn lessons the hard way when there have been so many people who have come before you and have a wealth of knowledge to share. Your path may not be exactly the same, but they will absolutely introduce you to things it may otherwise take you years to learn on your own.

Be courageous! Nothing ventured, nothing gained is so true when embarking on a new career path. Don’t be afraid to try and fail – it may be cliche, but even in failing you are moving forward, which is the key to success. Try new things, explore, be curious and never stop learning.

Follow your heart. You should always be thoughtful, but sometimes your brain may try to lead you down a safer, more reasonable path. Passion doesn’t come from our brains, it comes from our hearts and souls, so let them be your guide.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

A fellow artist recommend Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being, and I’m so grateful that he did. Every page of that book connects to me as an artist. Some of the pages seem to be written directly from my own experiences, and that comfort of realizing we are not in this alone is so important as a human being. Knowing the success that Rick has had in his career is also affirmation that this crazy artist’s journey is viable, though the measure of success belongs to each individual artist.

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