Grace Bell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Grace, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately I have been trying to learn to cook new things and I have really been enjoying that. I also just got married in February and having coffee with my husband David every morning is the best part of my day!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Grace Bell and I am an artist based in Morehead City, North Carolina. I use acrylic paint, local sand, and epoxy to create unique seascapes on surfaces like canvases to coasters and everything in between. I started this specific technique when I was a senior in high school. I was actually trying to make my dad a Christmas Present and since he taught me how to surf and loves the ocean I decided to paint him a wave. I had so much fun just working on his piece I knew I had to try again. Next thing I knew I was painting every day and selling things here and there on Instagram. My Instagram page took off while I was still in school just a few months after created an art page… I decided to take a “gap year” to try to run this as a business full time and here we are 7 years later. Still full time and still loving every moment! Recently I painted a floor for the first time and that was the biggest project I have done to date. I have also started painted coffee mugs which have been a huge hit.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My dad bought me a camera when I was 12 for a birthday+ Christmas present because I was always asking to use his little point in shoot camera. I would just go outside in the yard and take pictures of butterflies and the waterdrops on leaves after the rain. I just loved it so much and wanted my own camera so I could take photos anytime I wanted. My dad looked at the photos I was taking and saw something in me that I was probably too young to see yet. That was a turning point in my life for sure. It sounds dramatic to say but everything changed for me after that. I have roamed around forever since taking photos of anything and everything beautiful. It most certainly played a role in my desire to paint waves as well! I will always be grateful for him and his support.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I haven’t suffered in any significant ways in my life which I am extremely grateful for but I will say in hard times you don’t care about success at all you care about your family and doing what you love with your time. So I think in times that have been hard for me I always get grounded again in the things that matter most in the life which for me is time with my family.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! I don’t try to make myself seem different online. In fact, I have really tried to keep my art page art only and nothing personal. I rarely share personal photos one my business page but when I do it’s usually just something fun like a boat ride or a concert which is just real and what I love.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Yes yes yes. I do happy dances in my studio all the time. I love my work. I love my clients. I love where I live and who I live with. My life feels like a dream and yes it makes me dance and sing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Gracebellart.com
- Instagram: @gracebellart
- Facebook: @gracebellart
