Meet Abby Elise Baker of Columbus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Elise Baker

Hi Abby Elise, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I tell my story all the time, and you would think it would get easier to nail down why I am an artist, but the truth is – everything in my life has led me to this point! From what started out as an interest in art history while taking courses at the University of Dayton, then turned into me taking some fine art classes… shifted into getting a business degree at The Ohio State University, and then somehow through many corporate roles I was led back to painting. Now there was a lot of in- between moments where I was finding out what I wanted to do in life, I even got a yoga certifaction thinking that was the answer. But the day I started picking up a paint brush again, I knew it felt different—and it was a good kind of different! It was almost therapeutic in a way and brought me a sense of freedom that I hadn’t felt in a while. From there I really just started getting the creativity on canvas and tried selling work on my website and local markets and events. I applied to as many opportunities at galleries and local markets I could, and today that still holds true. I am always open to new opportunities and hope that my work can reach as many people as possible. Not only to show them what I can do, but to impact their lives with my work.My ultimate goal is to build a successful career as an artist and provide my family with the best life possible—one with creativity, freedom, and passion. Art, after all, is a lifestyle choice. It’s a choice anyone can make, and it has the power to transform lives, just as it has transformed mine.

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?
Is life ever smooth? We can all laugh at that one a little, ha ha! Getting to this point has been unsteady, winding, and oh so bumpy. But that’s the best part of it! If it came easy, I probably wouldn’t want to do it.

An art career has no normal path, and being a small business owner is a rollercoaster in itself. So put those two together, and it is an experience! I am talking, the highest highs and the lowest of lows. One day people love you, the next day you think you are the worst. And all the in- betweens….

There are many challenges that artist face, from creative ruts to financial support, but one that hit the hardest for me would be the need to build a fine art career like others have around you. It’s a bit hard to explain unless you are living it, but in the art world I feel like there are two distinct paths to selling your work. You can be a art festival artist that travels from state to state selling your work. Or you can be a gallery artist that is constantly applying to exhibitions and have contracts with some galleries. Then ofcourse you can use online sites that sell your work for you, but those fees are not fun!

Why can’t we just make work in our studios and sell it by ourselves on our own websites and be successful? Now, I don’t have that answer to this challenge, and I probably won’t for a while (if ever). But, I think it’s something that many artist can struggle with and it is something I hope to help solve for myself and other artists one day.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist I have dabbled into different mediums, until finding that painting was my favorite of them all. More specifically arcylic painting. But acrylics are forgiving, they are fun, and the layers you can build with them provide a texture that I love.

After years of testing different styles of painting, I finally found my own by studying soem of my favorite artists like Monet, Da Vinci and Bernini. I realized that by blending elements from each of their practices—Monet’s impressionism, Da Vinci’s sketches, and Bernini’s dramatic realism— I could create something truly unique. This blend of impressionist, sketchy, and dramatic style can be seen in all of my latest works.

But my quest for style didn’t end there. It extended to the framing of my art as well. My love for French architecture and ornate motifs evolved into a passion for ornate frames. However, I noticed a common problem: sometimes the frame overshadowed the artwork. I didn’t want that to happen to my own pieces. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I believe that art should be the frame, and the frame should be the art. They should be one cohesive piece that enhances each other, so I started painting the composition onto the frames!

I would say the style I have created for myself is what I am most proud of. It was a process to find this unique way to make art, and I hope people see the creativity in each piece!

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was really active in sports every season, and loved school. I was for sure a bit of a nerd , but for good reason! My hope was that if I studied and worked hard enough, I could apply and get in to whatever college I wanted. The pressure to work hard didn’t allow me much time to be creative. It was more listening to what others told me to do, like teachers and coaches. So creativity wasn’t in the plan for a career at all. It was more about what job would give me the most money and success. It was the motto of the area I grew up in. When you live in the middle of the country, not too many people were open to the idea of being an artist as a career.

Living in the country did have a lot of perks though! I grew up being surrounded by nature, clear night skies, and plenty of wild life. It was a very inspiring and beutiful place to live, and think back on it a lot while painting in my studio now. Nothing can beat the sunsets and clear night skies out in the country!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oiseau.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oiseau.co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oiseaubyabbyelisebaker