We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jamie Brick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jamie, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I grew up in a creative household, my father was a professional musician and my mother although not a professional artist was always experimenting with different crafts. Both parents were extremely encouraging and supportive in any of my choices in life.
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 started out woodcarving over 35 years ago as a full time profession and transitioned into mixed media sculptures using polymer clays and found objects. I took part in large Art and craft shows travelling mainly in Ontario but as far away as Baltimore and have been represented by a number of galleries. 29 years ago my wife Annette and I began our own show called Fantasy in the Forest Art show. It has grown from 6 artists to over 85 this year with live music and food. We have created a fantasy village in the middle of the woods North of Kingston Ontario. Our Fantasy sho has become my main focus and venue for my work. I see still sell online and at a couple of galleries. .I am at the age where friends are retiring but I realize that I will never stop because the passion for what I do is so strong. What I absolutely love about sculpting is that anything I can imagine can be brought to life. Each sculpture starts out as a fraction of an idea usually far from the outcome, somewhere in the sculpting process the piece takes on a life of its own and that’s the magic that keeps me driven to do more . One of the biggest benefits to my life as an artist and show organizer has been surrounding myself with so many creative individuals over the years. My world of friends are individuals who not only think outside the box but most have no idea where the box is.
I still remember doing my first art and craft show. The older couple next to me had said enjoy yourself but you can never make a living from these shows, They were so wrong. At our Fantasy in the Forest show we always try to mentor young or just emerging artists by providing them with free space to experience the show and meet others making there living doing something they love.
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?
I am self taught and still learning what I do so I think that one of the most important things is not to be afraid of failure and that trial and error are important learning tools. Not every thing I start turns out, some are never finished. Others just seem to fall in place.
Develop a thick skin. When dealing with the public not everyone is going to be a fan ( and some will let you know) but the ones who do love your work inspire you to go home and do even better.
Share your knowledge and excitement, encourage those who are seeking to grow. I have been lucky enough to meet a few artists that I had placed on a pedestal and have met a few who had placed me on one. We are all the same striving to create our best. As artists I don’t think we will ever be completely satisfied with what we do. I am confident in my work but if my head starts to swell all I have to do is dive down the internet Rabbit hole and I am humble again.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
It simply comes down to love and support, when I wanted to leave my job and do craft shows full time I never heard words of doubt or discouragement. Knowledge that they were proud of what I was doing drive me to succeed further. Both my parents are gone now and that is such a major change in mindset. Days before my 96 year old mother passed I was in the hospital to see her and her big concern was if I had brought any of my show cards for her to give the nurses lol. That knowledge of her pride is what eases the ache of loss. I have Two daughters and four grandchildren, it is my goal to leave the the same knowledge that I love them and are proud of them. What else is there?
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Jamiebrick58
- Facebook: Jamiebrickstudio
- Other: FantasyintheForestartshow.com
Image Credits
Kathryn Hollinrake
