Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecelia Wilken.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi! My name is Cecelia Wilken. I am an artist and illustrator currently living in Pinehurst, NC. My work balances earthy sophistication with a flair for the macabre and a touch of punk.
How did I get started?
I grew up surrounded by art and fringe society. My dad is a professional traditional artist and tattoo artist, so I was exposed to art and the obscure from a very young age. While creating art has always been a large part of my life, I’ve never gone to traditional art school and I’ve never taken a formal class – I’m entirely self-taught.
After high school, I joined the Army as a combat medic with the intent to make a lifelong commitment to the service. However, after a serious injury I sustained during training, I was forced to medically separate. I felt lost and without purpose. Six months after that, I found out I was pregnant with our first child and my whole life felt turned upside-down. During all this, I also returned to school to pursue a degree in nutrition, but I still felt so disconnected from myself that I decided to turn to art as a form of self-care. Painting was a way for me to center myself – to express messy emotions and to turn them into meaningful pieces of artwork.
Art has always been a hobby for me. I never thought I would be “good enough” to call myself an artist – let alone a professional one. Eventually, with the support of my family and friends, my hobby turned into a side hustle, and a few years after that – a full-blown small business. Now, I travel up and down the East Coast attending markets, conventions, and events selling my artwork. I sell artwork in other small businesses all around North Carolina, have had pieces placed in galleries, and recently started taking on mural work. I never thought my artwork would resonate with so many people, from so many different walks of life. But I’m grateful to be able to share my creations with the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! There are always obstacles – both emotional and physical.
I’ve struggled with anxiety and perfectionism my entire life. It’s very hard to be an artist with perfectionist tendencies and I am constantly doubting myself and my work. However, through creation and art, I’ve learned to let go of some of those traits and gain a larger understanding and appreciation for myself through my artwork.
And of course, running a small business out of your home is always a challenge. Especially as a stay-at-home mom and military spouse. I wear so many hats, sometimes it’s hard to find myself under them.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My artwork explores the messy parts of life and brings attention, appreciation, and beauty to often overlooked or uncomfortable aspects of life. I understand that my work isn’t for everyone – it’s dark, moody, emotional. Sometimes it is hard to look at death, decay, and depression and find an elegance in it. But I hope that by showcasing the beauty in the duality of life and bringing those emotions into my artwork that viewers may stop and think about their reactions to their own emotions and lives.
As a mixed media artist – I love exploring and pushing my creativity so a lot of my work incorporates many different mediums. I work with watercolors, graphite, oils, acrylics, inks, and gouache. I hope to someday incorporate ceramics and sculpture into my work.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My biggest supporter has been my husband, who has been unconditional and unrelenting in his enthusiasm and positivity. He is always ready to give me any supportive nudges I need to continue to move forward.
If you’ve ever seen or met me at a market or convention, you’ve probably also met my hype-woman, Kate. She is my right-hand lady and is always ready to drive hours away to help me at a convention. She has been a pillar, an amazing friend, and is probably my number one fan.
It may seem weird but I also want to take a moment to thank my online artist community. I have artist friends all over the world who I’ve met online that are the best cheerleaders. They offer suggestions, support, critique and have been invaluable in terms of networking and finding my niche.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.ceceliawilken.com
- Instagram: yellow.bird.art
- Facebook: yellow.bird.illustrations
Image Credits
Bri Stidham
Cecelia Wilken
