Abstract23 is just a 23 year old creative kid who will never grow up at heart. Residing & creating out of Philadelphia, she takes in inspiration from spirituality, music, the characters that live inside her, the universe and positivity that can be seen taking on a street / graphite art style. When asked, why ‘Abstract23’? She replied, in her 23rd year of life is when she decided to boldly live outside of the social norms… much like her art.
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do art for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
My whole dad’s side of the family is filled with artists, so I’ve been artistic my entire life. Growing up I’ve dabbled in a few other things I’ve found interests in but being a creative was never anything I had to dabble in, its always been just who I was. However, it wasn’t until the beginning of this year (2018) that I decided I didn’t want art to just be a skill anymore, I wanted it to be my life’s work, what I lived for. I try to influence myself as much as possible because I strive for my creations to be authentic but I am inspired by other young artists I follow on Instagram. One day I hope to be one of the greats, but seeing other young artists like myself filled with so much passion for this field & doing big things in a society full of adversity screaming “find a real job” is who I connect with the most.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then what separates you from other painters out there?
Honestly, off the top of my head I couldn’t even name a handful of established artists. I know there’s a such thing as paying homage & acknowledging those who have paved the way. I’m sure the world is filled with millions of crazy talented artists but I’m just not worried about who they are right now. No disrespect to any creative who is established, I just don’t spend my time comparing myself to anyone. Especially since I believe everyone is only a reflection of a piece of you anyway. What makes me different as a painter is that my name is Abstract. I have two hands that move paint brushes in ways that no other being could do because they’re not me. They have their own hands. What I do is what I do & I try to take that and run with it.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming an artist?
The most difficult thing I’ve had endure up to this moment on my journey as artists is getting people to understand that this is all I want to do. I know people who have literally made me feel like this ‘thing’ that I do could never be as big as it is in my head. That I need to ‘get it together’. When I think about those people, I understand now that they’re only projecting their fear onto me. Knowing that, I don’t let any “realist” who hasn’t tackled their own dreams tell me what to do with mine.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to create? What is your process?
My process before I create is probably one of my favorite processes. I’m smiling just thinking about it because it’s really a vibe that I need to be in to create freely. First I lay out my supplies and just look at them, like wow, you guys are life changers. (Yes, speaking to my paints lol) I light some incense around because I like to smell good things when I create. Next I roll up my blinds to get as much sunlight in the room as possible, I put on some Kid Cudi and before you know it there’s this smoky sunlit higher frequency mood in the air and at that point, I’m completely zoned out. Don’t bother me lol.
5.) Unfortunately the creative industry is full of talented individuals who more or less become the “starving artist” and don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
I’m a visual creator in more ways than one. I truly believe in due time my work will be recognized by those who are meant to recognize it. Those are the ones that the art is for. What I always remember to tell myself is to make people feel something. People will forget something they saw, people will forget something somebody else said they saw, but people will never forget how you made them feel. That’s what I plan on my art doing… making people FEEL. Touching souls. Also, I support and show love on a daily basis. I’m trying to get my own thing going but people tend to be more open in supporting you when you reciprocate that same act back to them.
6.) Would you rather work for a big corporation or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not?
On one hand working for a big corporation would be ideal. It’d be sort of a status saying “wow, somebody other than friends and family take me serious.” Which is great, but on the other hand NOT working for a bigq corporation is one of the things that made me fall in love with art in the first place. It was total freedom. No one to please but myself. I wouldn’t turn down opportunity but I’d definitely miss ruling my own universe.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the creative industry and how artists are able to market themselves?
The internet has made the creative industry SO much more fun and informative. Their are people that I’ve never met that have changed aspects of my life & my perceptions thanks to social media. I’ve met some of my creative friends on social media. It’s just awesome that you could literally be one click away from the collaboration of a lifetime.
8.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s economy if they’re not social media savvy?
You know, I feel like social media definitely offers up big opportunities. The more followers you have the more people you’re able to reach. The more people you’re able to reach the bigger the platform, the bigger the platform the more people of power will want to work with you which ultimately puts money in your pocket and food in your mouth. I get it . But I feel like social media is just ONE world you know? Like there’s a real world out there once you put the phone down that you can still make major moves in. I know a lady who isn’t necessarily ‘leading in numbers’ on social media but she’s given me opportunities that I can only dream of being able to give to someone else one day. That’s a boss move. Shout out to Renee of Conception Arts.
9.) Artists who try to create art for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your art stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
Yes, I agree. I believe there are artists who are talented that have the motor skills to be able to draw the perfect face or everyone’s favorite celebrity or a modern day cartoon. Cool . Those things are cool. But to ME personally, I feel those kinds of artists lack personality in what they do. Not to take away from the talent or discredit them from how well they do what they do but when I look at art I want to be put in a place of curiosity. I want to be intrigued. I want to stand in front of it & wonder a million things. I want to know who you are. I want the art to be a introduction to that. What I plan to do to make sure to never “sell out” is to remember to have fun with it. If I’m ever creating and I’m not having fun, then I’m not creating from the right place in my heart. To me, that’s the biggest kind of sell out you can be.
10.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Professionally, in 5 years or less I see myself working (and I use that term loosely) on an international level, designing across seas. I plan to be forever collaborating and bringing artistic opportunities for other creatives that will come after me.
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