Today we’d like to introduce you to Augusta Wilson.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Having a creative career was never a question for me. I grew up knowing that I was an artist, the challenge was figuring out what kind of art I wanted to concentrate on for a professional career.
I toyed around with lots of different areas— even event planning and interior design. I’m a very visual person, and love how something smartly designed, be it a party, home, or piece of fine art, can direct a person’s experience and point of view. Ultimately I landed on what came most naturally to me– painting.
Not only did painting allow for me to accomplish all the things I like about design, but it gave me the ability to work personally with clients and galleries, work with my hands everyday, and set my own schedule. It’s such a rewarding (albeit challenging) path, and keeps building on different avenues: I not only paint, but teach both scheduled classes and private lessons, and have started helping clients design their spaces with specific color palettes and art in mind. It’s really more of a life than a career and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Please tell us about your art.
My bachelor’s degree in painting from the University of Georgia focused on building the foundation and formal aspects of my skill, while my master’s degree in painting from Savannah College of Art and Design focused on the conceptual components of my work. When I launched my full time studio in 2014, my goal became to build upon what I learned in school to create paintings that were both aesthetically pleasing and thought provoking.
That is why my paintings are abstract: unlike work that has a clear subject, my paintings don’t rely on an object to convey a message. My skill has to be set so that the painting’s formal aspects (color, composition, contrast, material application, etc.) are strong enough that the viewer doesn’t feel the absence of a recognizable object. It also has to be strong enough to relay my point of view clearly to the viewer and hopefully have them consider a new idea/feeling/overall response. This is the work I think is worth the investment of having on your walls; work that makes you think but also celebrates your style and haven.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
You have to think of your art as a business. Stop thinking of it as a “path” or “passion” and treat it as you would any start-up. BEFORE you dive in, do your research and set a plan: financial, marketing (website, social media, branding, etc.), goals, licensing.
Set yourself up for success, and ask for help: ask a friend who has an MBA to help you with a business plan, ask a friend who has their own business about their experience, get a financial advisor to help with financials. Don’t like social media or handling a website? Look into hiring someone to do it for you. Just get a plan. Plans allow you to get everything in place so that when you do go to make your art, you have the mental space do so. Plans help you know what to expect financially.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My website, www.AugustaWilsonStudio.com, is where you can find current paintings available through my galleries as well as upcoming events and my class schedule. I do have a small e-commerce portion on the website, but it’s mostly for select small paintings.
Instagram is my jam; I’m @augustawilson. I try to post pretty regularly, and love using that space to bridge available paintings, inspiration and my personal life (yes, I think showing your personal life matters– it provides so much inspiration for my work!).
My paintings are currently available through galleries/retail locations across the southeast: Huff Harrington Fine Art in Atlanta, Shuptrine Gallery in Highlands, NC, PARISH in Montgomery, AL, and Texture BR in Baton Rouge, LA.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.AugustaWilsonStudio.com
- Email: augusta@augustawilsonstudio.com
- Instagram: @augustawilson
Image Credit:
Augusta Wilson
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
