What’s your business name and what do you do?
I run my studio practice under the name Quinn Evans Art. I am an oil painter based out of my studio in Portland, ME, and though I am mostly drawn to figurative work, I paint a variety of subjects, often creating scenes imbued with a darker, ethereal quality. I strive to immerse my audience in an experience that transcends the familiar, inviting exploration into the mysteries of both our inner selves and the surrounding world.
How did you learn your craft?
I come from a family of artists, so creativity has always been a constant in my life. My parents always made sure my brother and I had paints, pencils, etc. around for us to experiment with. Some of my earliest memories are of watching my parents draw or studying my grandmother's portrait paintings on her studio floor. I spent much of my childhood drawing people, and then I continued to study art in college. After graduating, I've spent countless hours continuing to explore different media and styles. It took me a while, but I've finally learned to be patient with myself and focus on enjoying the process. :)
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
The feeling of when I am painting. There is wonderful loss of self when you're holding a paintbrush, like all the noise in your head suddenly eases and you're completely enraptured with what's in front of you. There are truly so many joys to creating art, but a close second is the people you meet and connect with. Whether it be fellow artists, models, or clients, I have felt so grateful to have crossed paths with so many creative and kind folks.
What do you enjoy least?
It's often very tricky balancing the business and creative sides of being an artist. I've felt odd commodifying my artistic practice, which often relies on vulnerability and emotional reflection. Being a figurative artist hasn't been the most lucrative career, at least while I'm starting out, and I have frequently felt compelled to create work that I think would sell rather than fulfill my artistic visions. However, I recently started working at a frame shop, which has been wonderful, and helps release some of the financial pressures that were compromising my creative goals.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your work?
Artwork takes work. Behind talent are thousands and thousands of hours of dedication, of honing a skill and making plenty of bad art. It's learned and practiced, and I will continue to invest much of my time and energy. I also believe it's important to create space for art that challenges and makes one uncomfortable. Often, when we encounter such pieces, we have the opportunity to explore our immediate reactions and, in doing so, unearth new insights about ourselves. I've personally found that emotive figurative work, in particular, can serve as a portal into another person's existence, which hopefully encourages a building of empathy in the viewer.
What’s one artist you look up to?
Aleah Chapin. I recently had the privilege of seeing her recent exhibition, "The Space Between Us," in NYC and it was an experience I'll never forget.
What do you do when you’re not making art?
I'm either with friends or snuggling with my husband, our dog, and two cats at home. Or experimenting with some new recipe in the kitchen!
Night owl or early bird?
Honestly neither, although I'm trying to be an early bird. I have a chronic illness that makes me exhausted more often than not, so I'm most happy midday with a coffee. :)
What's your favorite place in Maine?
Very tough question as there are so many lovely spots in Maine, but I have to say Mayo Street Arts is at the top of my list. I have had my studio there for almost two years now, and the community is so wonderful. They also put on some really quirky and spectacular productions and I highly recommend checking them out!