Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Feinknopf.
Hi Abby, 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 backstories with our readers.
I have always been interested in art from an early age. In high school, I graduated in Fine Arts and held a solo exhibit of my work, and finalized a portfolio for college applications. My father didn’t want me going to art school, so I got a B.A. in English and went on to get married and work in marketing and business development for an architecture firm. Regardless of what I was doing in life or where I was, I always made art a priority by reading art related books or I would take on an art class or retreat whenever my schedule allowed.
In 2003, I was home raising two sons, and I was craving a creative outlet beyond my freelance writing gigs. I designed and wrote a small children’s story in verse and illustrated it in fabric, and created an entirely fabric, baby, and washer-safe fabric book. When I presented it to my pregnant friend, she commissioned me to make three more for additional baby gifts, and a business was started! I called it Crazy Mama’s and grew the business of commissioned story books, each one unique, until 2009, at which burnout was setting in.
I moved into fabric collage wall hangings, utilizing vintage materials, photo transfers, and ephemera.
I continued to exhibit these as well as market fabric collage pillows, throws, scarves, jackets, and bags.
In 2015, my oldest started college, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After surgery, chemo, radiation, I finished treatment in a cold, gray March and I was really run down. I craved color and went back into the studio, and instead of working with fabric, I began painting in small moleskin journals as a page-a-day practice to get my creative juices flowing again. I know creating in bold color daily truly brought me back. There is a healing power to it!
Before long, I was painting on panels, canvases of all sizes, and mixed media paper.
People started noticing my work, and opportunities for exhibits, commissions, and teaching opportunities blossomed.
I have since taken on students in private art mentoring sessions as a means for them to counteract the negative repercussions from Covid and school stress.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No. There has always been the struggle of when to hire help; finding or making time for staying on top of social media when your market demographically/age-wise runs the gamut and follows Instagram, Facebook, or neither!
Covid shut down two of my shows completely, and trying to pivot and pay studio rent was a challenge even with an artist grant.
I always strive for work/life balance, and it requires a lot of boundary setting, flexibility, patience, and planning!
I also believe you have to treat your art like any business in that you have to show up every day!
And you must always keep your goals updated as they evolve and keep them posted somewhere in front of you for consistent reminders of the paths you are pursuing!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am currently painting in acrylic, watercolor and creating mixed media collages. My paintings are abstract and florals in bold colors, and I have been told I create art that has an uplifting and calming energy that brings happiness to the onlooker.
I am most proud when people are elated upon the delivery of a commissioned piece or when they stop me long after purchasing a piece, to tell me how it continues to bring them joy!
I am not an artist who chases the dollar. I believe art should be accessible, and I strive to put out art that serves a purpose. My paintings have evolved into box sets of greeting cards, laminated place mats, fabric scarves, and pillows. I think what sets me apart is that I believe in the power of putting forth good karma and that it goes around- I don’t chase trends. So I personally focus on putting something positive out into the world daily and I don’t get hung up on what others are doing. I think because I didn’t get a bfa I have always felt like an underdog so now I strive to encourage others to follow their hearts.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I am a book junkie in all genres (painting, sewing, needlearts, poetry, etc… there are too many to name. I listen to ArtBizCoach and have taken a workshop or two from Alyson Stanfield, who is great! I subscribe to many magazines, including Somerset Home, Uppercase, and Selvedge.
I also believe in the power of connecting with people because you never know the interesting connections and opportunities that can come from relationship building and networking. So I encourage everyone to take that class, workshop or retreat. Or reach out to that person who inspires you and get coffee! Build a friendship! My favorite quote is: Life begins at the end of your comfort zone- Neale Donald Walsch
Contact Info:
- Website: abbyf.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/abbyfllc
- Facebook: facebook.com/abbyfllc
