Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Estes.
Hi Meredith, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born in Gary Indiana, raised in Mt. Clemens/Detroit Michigan. Now, calling Atlanta my home since 2016. I discovered my love for art at an early age. I would watch and admire my older cousins, who had this amazing talent to draw. Wishing that I could draw just like them. I would practice drawing and coloring every chance I got. Growing up in a very creative family who love showing and sharing ways of expression, especially my mother who believed that anything you place your mind to we can create. My Desire to improve and evolve my skills was by taking art classes in high school where I won many awards and prizes. Many times throughout my life, challenges within myself had me in doubt about my art and style. But I continued to draw and paint to where I had the courage to sell my works of art publicly and privately worldwide.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A point in my life I had an accident, which led to debilitating pain in my dominant hand and the right side of my arm and body. Being a wife and a mother of 6. I was not able to care for my family or myself let alone paint or draw. For many of months which led into years of pain not only in my right arm and hand. But also mentally and spiritually. I was broken. I will never forget my last days in physical therapy. My therapist who knew my love for creating told me “If you do not use it, you will lose it.” speaking of my hand and the ability to paint. She also gave me at-home assignments to paint. Which led me to create and publish a mood-changing, motivating adult coloring book “Color Thairapy” with inspirational words by Alleccia Bowman. My sister.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a self-taught visual artist. The joy of seeing, feeling and creating comes from within. I am truly grateful to be able to create and share my works of art. I love using acrylics, watercolors and pencils. I specialize in original one-of-a-kind paintings, drawings and prints. I love realism, fantasy or anything that speaks to my soul. I am known for portrait paintings which painting people gives me life. The energy of the seen and unseen that I am able to bring about on canvas brings me joy.
I am most proud of my ability to continue to share my gift with the world. The ability to pick up a paintbrush and recreate a vision of mine or a client’s speaks volumes on canvas.
What sets me apart from others is the courage to BE ME. Living my truth and being authentic in my endeavors glows through my work.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that most people who know of my work might not know is my journey and many years ago I was not able to move my right dominant hand for months, bedridden and mentally unstable due to the medication for my condition. So grateful with God’s permission having a steady hand to create big beautiful, vibrant colorful paintings and works of arts.
Contact Info:
- Website: meredithestesart.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/meredithestesart
- Facebook: facebook.com/meredithestes
- Other: linktr.ee/meredithestesart
Image Credits
Aalia Muhammad
