Today we’d like to introduce you to A.K. Landreth.
Hi A.K., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started painting in 2009. My friend at the time was throwing out a bin of old art supplies that she never used, and in the spirit of never-waste-a-thing, I took that bin of paints, bushes, old canvas’ and paper – and started painting!
Visual art quickly became an outlet for me to process big emotions after some pretty monumental shifts in my life at that point. I was 19 years old and venturing out into the world on my own for the first time. It felt like through painting I was allowed to say with color what I didn’t know how to say with words – or in technical terms, which I wasn’t aware of at the time, abstract expressionism.
I would love to say from there the rest is history. But in 2012, I began college for my undergraduate degree in theology. For about 5 years I couldn’t paint at all. I went through a major “imposter syndrome” phase and even picking up a brush felt impossible.
It wasn’t until 2017 that I finally mustered up the courage to paint again and it felt like the part of me that I had lost had finally come home. I’ve been painting, healing, and finding my voice through color ever since. My hope is that my art can help others to find their way home as well.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course, there are struggles along whatever journey we embark on, but I like to take that as a reminder that I am going in the right direction and making progress. I still face some resistance from time to time, but nothing compared to the 5 years painting gap that I mentioned before.
I like to call the gap my “beneath the soil season” where the majority of growth in my heart, mind, spirit, was happening without being able to see the fruit of it yet. It was there that I developed confidence in who I was made to be, battled and won the war against imposter syndrome, accepted that I was creative, understood that that is a GOOD thing, and learned that what I have to offer through painting is a generous GIFT to the world around me.
Ira Glass talks about The Gap as the place where most creatives give up and quit. The most important thing to do when you find yourself here is to create a lot of work. This is how you close the gap.
And thankfully, I was able to push through that season of intense darkness, confusion, and even complete rejection of myself as a creative person, to come out on the other side and continue making good work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am in love with the creative process. Time and time again it has taught and reminded me how to slow down and savor the beauty that is all around. My goal with painting is to celebrate beauty through abstract and original pieces of artwork. To create work that can speak to anyone in any season. You can take what you need from it and that can look different from person to person.
I am an intuitive painter, so that means that most of the time I paint without a plan. Go with the flow and let my gut take the lead. Which, if you know me is a big deal for a person who LOVES a plan haha. But I think creating this way allows me to let go and be free. To say what I need to say and to connect to myself and God in that space. It really is a form of meditation for me!
These words themselves might sound a little abstract. But my hope is that you have the chance to view work in person, to let the colors wash over you as they do for me, to bring clarity and peace. Wisdom and bravery. Grace and wonder. I believe this is what my work has to offer the world because it has offered to me over and over again.
Oh, and what am I most proud of? My bravery. I think being brave is my favorite thing to practice because every time I do it I feel like I become more of the woman I want to be. Creativity takes courage and I am proud of that.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
There is so much to love about Winston-Salem. Founded by a war hero named Major Joseph Winston and Salem meaning “Peace”, it is the city of arts and innovation. It’s impossible to come to visit and not feel the invitation of each of these traits.
I really love that this city is full of entrepreneurs, creative business owners, and friends that feel like family. It truly is the best place to call home.
Contact Info:
- Email: artbyaklandreth@gmail.com
- Website: www.aklandreth.com
- Instagram: @artbyaklandreth
Image Credits
Jessica Ann Martin
