POP Artist Highlight
This month we conducted a short interview with our Artist of the Month - Madison Coakley, from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Overtime we have followed the work of Madison and witnessed her growth as an artist.
Meet Madison Coakley:
STORY OF INSPIRATION
I am inspired by other humans. By colors, light, movement, energy, and expression - all of which construct the human face and figure. I’m also inspired by other creatives, by music, new materials and techniques, and my own journey as an artist. I have been creating my whole life, but I never believed that drawing or painting would ever become more than a hobby.
I grew up in a creative environment. My mother (@artcubana) is an artist and has painted almost every wall in our house. We even have a bedroom we’ve repurposed into “the painting room.” Watching my mom create has also inspired me, but as young artist, I would often compare my talent to hers. My mom was the artist and I was just someone who made art for fun. I really grew as an artist once I realized my potential. My senior year of high school, I was selected to draw portraits of my entire senior class. So, I drew 70+ faces, and I witnessed my own progression, which inspired me to keep drawing. Eventually, I became confident enough to begin experimenting with new techniques and mediums. I found my true love of painting, and I learned to believe in myself. We have no reason not to be confident, as we are all unique in our abilities and creations.
ARTIST JOURNEY
FAVORITE THING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
My favorite thing about drawing and painting is being able to capture expression. I think this is one of the greatest challenges as an artist, and I think I do it really well. I also love that what I do connects me to other creatives. I think we really understand one another. And I also think we’re the best. We can change the world.
LOOKING FORWARD TO…
I am looking forward to the month of May! It’s a big month for me. I’m graduating from university and moving into a bigger space with more light. I am going to have the time and space to create, which makes me so happy. I am really looking forward to reconnecting with myself!
ADVICE?
One piece of advice that has really resonated with me these days has been, “There is already a version of you that has done what you thought you couldn’t do.” Have faith in yourself and in the universe. Face your fears little by little, prioritize your own happiness, and dream big! Dream fucking huge. You are capable of anything. <3
We commend any artist that is willing to step outside of their comfort zone & Madison has done so time and time again. Madison We want to encourage you to keep going & trying new mediums as an artists. Your talent shines through.
- Generation POP
