Meet our first Artist feature, Cole McGown, a creative mind whose work caught our attention for its boldness and balance between fragility and fierceness. Cole has been exploring art with an Indigo Art Education, and we’re excited to share their artistic journey!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started with art.
“I have always been a creative person. I am constantly inspired by pop culture and my daily life, and I never like to limit myself to one medium. I explore themes of identity, the natural world, consumerism, and the human form through sculpture, printmaking, fashion, and mixed media pieces.”

2. What inspired the piece you created for this month’s showcase?
“These pieces are inspired by things that I see everyday, whether that be people, nature, advertisements, or even trash. I’m a big fan of neo-expressionist portraits and pop-art depictions of mass-produced goods.”

3. How did you use Indigo Art Education’s resources in your project?
“Being in Mrs. Cheves’ class and getting to work first hand under her guidance has completely shaped the way I create. Her knowledge of artistic techniques and her willingness to share those with her students has allowed me to better translate my references into artwork.”

4. What’s your favorite thing about the artistic process?
“My favorite thing about the art process is getting to make multiple test versions of a piece before making the final artwork. It really helps me hone my vision and allows me to capture what I want to convey more clearly. Seeing how a piece comes together at the end is also very satisfying and fulfilling.”

5. What advice would you give to someone starting their own artistic journey?
“My advice for anyone starting their own artistic journey is just to make art freely without worries of perfection or intention. Focusing too much on whether or not the art you make is conventionally attractive or has a super deep meaning can ruin your love for the craft. Freeing yourself from the expectations and rules of others can be so liberating.”

We’re so inspired by Cole McGown’s creative journey and can’t wait to see where their art takes them next! To follow their work, check out colemcgownportfolio.my.canva.site.