Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Waggoner.
Alex, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Like lots of kids, I always enjoyed drawing. The architecture of the church I grew up going to was wild and I remember doodling that a lot during services. Fast-forward to college, I went to Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah and ended up getting a BFA in Painting and Printmaking. After school, I moved to Charleston, South Carolina, for a summer art camp job, then Raleigh, North Carolina, for an artist residency and back to Charleston, where I settled in from 2014 to 2019. In 2019, I moved to Atlanta with my boyfriend Chris and our two grey, spotted dogs Bishop and Midas. I am a studio artist at MINT.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth?! Haha, no. But it sure does feel good when things work out! In college, I enjoyed the bubble of artists, professors and critiques. When I graduated, that community ended and I had no idea what to do next, let alone how to make money at it. I worked food and bev from 2012 to 2017 and painted on the side while I was figuring out painting as a business.
I love working for myself (most of the time). I enjoy the trial and error of making this one-person show work most efficiently. Working with the ebb and flow of income has been a learning curve. I did decide early on. I wanted to hire a CPA to handle my business. She is worth it every single month.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
My paintings are based on the traditional Southern urban landscapes and architecture that surround me. I typically employ a dreamy color palette I developed during my many years living in Charleston. Through the exploration of architectural individuality around me, I aim to encourage thoughtful dialogue concerning architectural, historical significance, forgotten spaces, and the in-between. Since my move to the city, I have been studying the rich history of Atlanta and the integral role of architecture in telling the city’s story.
My paintings have a very mid-century, minimal aesthetic. I am a very meticulous painter so there are a lot of fun details. I am proud of the commission side of my business. I enjoy working with clients to create a minimalist representation of their home. I love hearing about their homes and translating their ideas into a painting.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am coming up on a year in Atlanta. I look forward to growing my artist network here and participating in the gallery scene in Atlanta. I would love to dip my toe into the Miami art scene. I think my beachy-vibe paintings would fit nicely there.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alexwaggoner.com
- Email: alex@alexwaggoner.com
- Instagram: @alexwaggoner
Image Credit:
Elizabeth Ervin
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