Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret Jackson
Margaret, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Being a multifaceted artist, my journey starts at so many different points. During my college years, I would sell chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels. After college, I got into creating balloon columns and garlands. When the pandemic started, I shifted into painting. As you can see, I have dibbled into many forms of art. I love it. It’s one of those things that’s just in me. I always had this creative gene inside of me; whether it was dancing, baking, event decorating or painting abstract art. The place I am in right now is focused on the painting side of my creativeness. Art for me, is an outlet, an escape. While being a creative is beautiful, people don’t realize that also means your mind and wheels are turning 24/7 NONSTOP. I am always thinking of what’s next, what problem can I solve, what’s something new I can do, how can I become better. It’s a lot but when I’m painting, the mind is silenced. I just… paint. I’ve been asked MANY times, oh Margaret how do you come up with this. My answer never changes, “idk”. Lol. A lot of my paintings are stories that I do not wish to verbally share with the world. There have been times where a painting brought so much joy to those viewing it yet it caused me so much hurt to create it. Did I feel better once I was done. Heck yeah ! I felt as if I could let it go. All of my paintings aren’t sad though. I have happy work too. What started out as just a “hobby” to pass some time turned into a career.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh gosh no! This has not been easy by any means lol I didn’t go to college for art nor do I have an art degree or background. Everything I know, it’s from trial and error. It’s been hard getting my foot into the art world. It’s definitely about who you know a lot of the time and I knew NOONE! As time went on, I started attending art shows, and art related events just to be in that space and slowly started introducing myself. I also have to thank my friend Myia. She has helped me ALOT. When we met, she was an art student at UofM so whenever there were shows or events, she was bring me with her. She would even introduce me to people and let them know I was a fellow artist. Like that was big to me. So thank you Sunshine (that’s her nickname lol). Though I have chipped a little piece off the art iceberg, I still have a long journey ahead. I’m ready though. I know this is where I was meant to be.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an intuitive abstract artisan. Meaning, whatever comes to me to paint, I paint. I literally close my eyes, and just paint. I specialize in acrylic painting but love to add multiple textures to work. What am I known for? Hmmm ask me this again in about 5 years… still finding this answer. I’m most proud of having my own art exhibition about 3 years ago now. I was so excited and terrified at the same time. What sets me apart is that these are my own personal stories… I don’t mimic others, I don’t look for inspiration in other people’s work… I just do what I feel. If people like it, cool and if not, cool lol I’m not creating for people’s acceptance.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Ummm probably, there’s no time like the present. Focus on the now, enjoy the now, do things for the now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_youniqlymade_
- Facebook: @itsyouniq
