Reflections & my first debut!
- Allie Maier
- Nov 25, 2017
- 3 min read
I had the honor of working with Shelby Le Duc and Sarah Kloepping as they interviewed me for an article and produced a video on my artwork for the Green Bay Press Gazette! This was my very first experience where I was solely the topic for a public feature.
I still need to take a second to realize I've been pretty much publicly announced as an artist... OK.
I've never been so thoroughly questioned about my art process or inspiration, and the entire interview was a blast! Talking coffee and art with some local strangers turned out to be really fun, go figure. It's still strange to see and read a third parties' ideas and responses to my art and the ideas they then create from my own. Over the last year I've realized my coffee art isn't just something to look nice, but it serves as a link: I aim to connect different people and experiences with relatable things that aren't necessarily their own. This has been a growing idea, something that I was wrestling with, but never quite understood until now. My art has truly grown and looking back over a year ago the smalls steps I've taken to become a freelance artist has only enhanced my drive and kept me curious to where I'll end up next.
After I graduated from St. Norbert in 2016, I anticipated a challenging future with its own uncertainties and risks that are conventionally associated with pursing art as a career. Though I was a little afraid for the future and I knew it was something that secretly frightened my family, I pretty much figured now was as a good time than ever to give it a go. The first several months were slow going and frustrating, so I supplemented my time and income as a part-time barista with La Java a roasting house. This helped keep me active, I was out in the community more, I was meeting new people, and working with coffee as a barista helped feed my inspiration and anticipation for what I need to continually do: coffee, coffee, coffee!
Once I had enough work in my post-college portfolio, I applied to have a booth in Green Bay's Art Street to potentially sell my art in the community and just toss my name out there. I already knew my booth and my artwork were a solid reflection of myself and my personality, so I initially envisioned Art Street as a weekend where I would consistently throw myself to the sharks and wait for the feedback. The weekend was stormy and cold, but my little booth was full of visitors nonetheless. A few times my dad, who was also working downtown near the art grounds, came to check on me, but most of the time I had no idea when he was there because booth was always jam packed. I can't remember how many times I explained what "coffee art" was or "if I used decaf or regular coffee," but every question and remark was welcomed. Talking about art outside of an art class/studio setting without worrying about the critiques from my professor and classmates was a relaxing experience. Just watching everyones' curiosity was more than enough. I had such a great time, my jaw hurt every day from smiling so much.
The article's release in the Press Gazette and the responses I've received have given me a great energy boost to continue the work ahead of me. (That being finishing up several projects for the holidays as well.) Being a freelance anything does come a few road blocks, but the work and rewards have outweighed everything.
(To any aspiring artists out there or to anyone chasing a farfetched dream: it's best to just give it a go and throw yourself out to the sharks. Keep finding the drive to continue working and don't let the idea of ultimate success cloud your journey. I know I'm enjoying the small steps to becoming an artist and searching for opportunities in each day.)
Here's the link to the Press Gazette article if you would like to read more: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/life/2017/11/23/local-barista-finds-artistic-inspiration-coffee/858512001/
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