We’re excited to introduce you to Jodie King, an abstract artist based in Austin, Texas. Check out the interview below to get to know Jodie more and see some of her artwork. Enjoy!
Jodie King Austin Texas Artist
How would you describe your artistic style?
What’s the main inspiration for your art?
It is hard to say the one thing that inspires my art because everything inspires me. I always create my work based on an honest and unfiltered expression of a particular feeling in that moment.
What is the biggest goal you try to achieve with your art?
My goal is to always make “Honest Art.” As artists we’re the faucet, not the water, so I try to be as open as possible and just allow the process to happen.
What’s your favorite thing about being an abstract artist?
I love that there are no constraints on what I can do. It feels like complete freedom.
Have you always created abstract art or did you start out creating other styles?
I’ve been painting for almost 20 years, but only began painting abstract art within the last 5-7 years. I still create art using mixed media and I love figurative but I always come back to abstract because of the freedom.
If you could describe your art in three words, what would they be?
Freedom. Power. Sassy.
What’s one thing people might not know about you or your art journey so far?
I never had any interest in art as a kid. I started painting when I was 35 simply because I was looking for an outlet. As many mothers out there, I felt I was always doing everything for other people and never anything for myself. Once I started painting, I realized that I felt better emotionally and I was hooked.
Did you always know you’d be an artist or how has your art career progressed?
Many of us remember the feeling of being a young child in art class. We can recall the early wonders of a paintbrush, the magic of making a mess. We can return back to what it felt like to spread tiny wet hands onto a white page, coloring in the spaces until we made the perfect Thanksgiving turkey. And we remember the one kid in class whose work always seemed to be exquisite, with enviable edges, gorgeous lines, and colors that inspired the teacher to hang it on the wall with pride. I was not that child. Art discovered me way later in life and through my own need of personal expression and a creative outlet.
Initially I was just painting for fun but as fate would have it a local boutique’s owner saw my art as it was hanging in my house and asked if they could sell it in their shop. It took me a hot second to process it because at the time I didn’t consider myself a “real artist” and much less as someone who makes money from her work. But this set me on a path of trying to learn everything I could to make great art and improve my skill.
In your opinion, what’s the most important personal characteristic needed to embark on a career as an artist?
Tenacity and a sense of humor. It is hard to keep going without either of those because being an artist is not only a long-game but it is often riddled with self-doubt. Having a sense of humor keeps the journey fun and enables me to not take it all so seriously.
What advice would you give up and coming abstract artists?
Don’t compare your art to anyone else’s and trust that what you have to express is exactly what someone needs to see. At the same time don’t be shy to ask for help to ensure you’re creating the strongest arts possible in terms of composition, color, and your own unique personal expression.
Do you have any favorite podcasts or books that you love and that have contributed to your journey as an artist?
My favorite books that have contributed to my artistic journey are “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield, “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron, and “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert.
What’s your most fulfilling and enjoyable experience as an artist so far?
It’s hard to pick one. Seeing how my art resonates not only with collectors but other artists too. But also, the act of creating has also helped me process and heal from personal trauma. Seeing other fellow artists learning about my journey and being inspired and empowered by it has been a life changing experience.
Where do you see yourself and your art in 5 years?
I hope that in 5 years I will have succeeded in my goal to empower millions of artists around the globe to truly understand the value they bring to the world and to pursue their passion as a thriving business.
What do you love most about abstract art?
Do you have any favorite quotes?
Anything else you’d like to share?
We want to thank Jodie King, a local Austin Texas abstract artist, for taking the time to share about her journey, insights and more about her life as an artist. We hope you enjoyed this interview as much as we did.
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