Rod Wimer is an abstract artist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His abstract artwork can be described as “colorful, textural and experimental”. Scroll down to learn more about Rod Wimer and see more of his artwork.
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Rod Wimer Abstract Artist
What’s the main inspiration for your art?
Color and texture, I love texture!
What is the biggest goal you try to achieve with your art?
I try to make distinct, powerful paintings based on my mood at the time they’re being created.
What’s your favorite thing about being an abstract artist?
Freedom to explore and experiment!
Why abstract art and not other styles? Have you always created abstract art or did you start out creating other styles?
I also paint representational work, mainly in the form of animals, flowers, and human figures, but abstract is where I find the most freedom. Abstraction is slowly seeping into my representational work as well…
What’s one thing people might not know about you and your art journey so far?
I was raised in a stifling religious atmosphere, and art was always my secret quiet place. Art is where I took refuge as a child, and art is still my refuge as an adult! Art has allowed me to experience internal freedom in a way that nothing else ever has…
Did you always know you’d be an artist or how has your art journey progressed?
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a professional artist. It has taken 60 years to finally be relatively happy with where my art is now.
In your opinion, what’s the most important characteristic needed to embark on a career as an artist?
It takes a lot of tenacity! You have to understand as a young artist that you have not arrived yet – and that it takes a lifetime of artistic experience to build your vision. You have to be patient with the becoming! If you are truly an artist at your core, nothing else will satisfy until you follow your calling to create!
What advice would you give up and coming abstract artists?
Experiment experiment experiment! Try new things all the time! Use unusual items and methods to create new textures! When gallerists and other artists with more experience, give you advice… LISTEN TO THEM!
What’s your most fulfilling and enjoyable experience as an artist so far?
For 40 years, I worked in galleries as an assistant or a Picture framer. I slowly built a following of collectors in each gallery that I worked at. It was always so fulfilling to hear how my work affected the hearts and minds of my collectors. That is still the most enjoyable experience for me in my retirement. Knowing that my work has touched other people in so many different ways has always brought me a lot of joy!
Do you have any favorite podcasts or books that have contributed to your journey as an artist?
I grew up in Africa (my parents were missionaries) so my exposure to my own creative process had more to do with my own visual ideas that I took from the world around me. I’ve kind of stayed in that process my whole life. I don’t really listen to art podcasts. Most of the books about art that I read have to do with famous artists biographies. I like to know what made them tick and what drove them to become who and what they became as artists. Last year I visited the Home of Georgia O’Keeffe in Abiquiu New Mexico. It had been on my bucket list for about 20 years. It was a life-changing experience. Wherever I travel to in the world, I try to connect with artists, living or dead from that area. It’s always very inspirational to my own journey.
What do you love most about abstract art?
The freedom it has offered to experiment with color and texture!
Where do you see yourself and your art 5 years from now?
Even in my retirement, I keep learning little things here and there, little tricks and techniques to improve my work. But the beauty of getting older is that I have stopped worrying about the future as much as I used to. I’m happy with where my art is. I don’t stress over what will happen in five years. I try to practice an attitude of gratitude. My body still works, my eyesight is relatively OK, and my hands can still paint. I am grateful beyond grateful! The world is always gorgeous and inspiring… I highly recommend an attitude of gratitude, no matter what stage of life you’re in!
Do you have any favorite quotes?
My favorite quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson…“If eyes were meant for seeing, then beauty is its own excuse for being“
Anything else you’d like to include?
I want to encourage up-and-coming artists to never stop experimentation in your art! Don’t think you’ve arrived when you’re 25… Because you haven’t arrived yet. No matter how good you are, there will always be someone better at art than you. That should serve to inspire you to become the best you can be. Nothing you create will ever be perfect… And that’s OK… That’s part of what makes you an individual. Even your mistakes can be absolutely gorgeous! Be open to everything life has to offer!
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