Today we’d like to introduce you to Augusta Wilson
Hi Augusta, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Art has always played a role in my life. I was raised by an artist mother, who gave me a set of paints at age 3.
She recognized my talent and interest in painting, and signed me up for a multitude of art classes, everything from summer art camps and Bob Ross style group classes to one on one lessons with working artists in their studios.
To this end, at age 14 I got my first job as an apprentice to a local ceramicist. After school and in the summer I painted the underglazes for her pieces, and she paid me $5/hr and in homemade caramel cake.
This was the first time I put together that you could make a living from making art, and it started my wheels turning!
I received a BFA in painting from the University of Georgia, which taught me the techniques of painting, but not necessarily how to go about making a living. When I graduated I thought I’d go into museum or gallery work, though after a couple of internships and tiny gallery assistant roles I realized I wanted to be the one creating the art on the walls.
I went back to school and got an MFA in painting from SCAD Atlanta, which opened my eyes to conceptual work and the professional art world.
It’s wasn’t until I had my first born two years after MFA graduation that I launched my business: I felt this huge push of creativity and to have a career that made my son and myself proud.
That was 11 years ago, and it’s been a wild ride of establishing myself and figuring out my business model and values.
I’m thankfully at a point where the paintings are really flowing in the studio and connecting with collectors all over the country, and it’s truly such a fulfilling and joyful career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing great ever came easy, and my career is no exception!
For the art side of things, it’s like a great band you love putting out an album: you don’t want the same songs each time, but as a fan you do want a thread connecting the sound. It can’t go off in left field. The same is true with painting: learning how to evolve naturally, and reigning in the creativity at times, has been a huge theme of my journey so far.
From the business side of things it’s been an interesting path of figuring out how I wanted to get my art to my dream clients. Working with the right people, whether it be galleries, consultants, or designers has been key. Knowing when a partnership has run its course or finding a business relationship that really speaks to my values has been a learning process I welcome!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My schtick is creating one of a kind abstract landscape paintings that are modern, cool, nostalgic and provide an escape.
I’m really interested in vacation— capturing that feeling with your favorite people in your favorite place. I’m obsessed with this idea of expressing core memories on canvas. A lot of my pieces are coastal feeling— the palms, colors and electric energy are there. When you see them, I want you to be taken out of your everyday world and right back in the sun, feeling fulfilled and loved.
I also strive to have these pieces be like no one else’s— art is expression, not decor. When you invest in my art you are investing in a piece that embodies how you want to feel everyday, your own original style and personality. You won’t walk into your neighbor’s house and see anything like it— even if they too have one of my pieces! Each painting is special and original.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Gosh, 11 years in makes that a pretty long list! I have the best clients, always have, and have had the opportunity to work with many designers and gallerists that put my art in spaces beyond words. It’s such a blessing.
I will say my biggest advocate has been my husband, Ed. He is my honorary COO, is always cheering me on, and reminds me daily to listen to my gut and lead with integrity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://augustawilsonstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/augustawilson?igsh=MTNqcm5kZmczb3ZyNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
