Daily Inspiration: Meet Jay Wilford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Wilford.

Hi Jay, 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 descend from a family with a fair number of artist, mostly oil painters. My principle teacher was my mother, who taught by her mother was following the tradition.
I really embraced drawing and painting from an early age, though I chose careers in health care and business, always maintained an arts practice.
Upon retirement, I founded my studio and gallery, Jay Wilford Fine Art where I work most days of the week and host 3-4 gallery openings a year.
To date I’ve sold hundreds of pieces in multiple states and Canada.

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?
I get a lot of compliments on my work and the gallery vibe I’ve fostered. In fact, the biggest compliments I receive are sales.
The biggest challenge is getting people on the space. Like all sales gigs, marketing is huge. To that end I recently hired a marketing professional who is actively working to maximize my business acumen and visibility.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At heart, I am an oil painter. If you ask someone who knows my work they’d probably reflect on the multiple themes and styles in which I create.
It probably stems from innate curiosity and drive to try something new. That said, I think it’s really important to continually push limits outside of one’s comfort zone. Because if you’re only doing what you’re good at, you’re not creating so much as manufacturing.
Beyond that, I’m a published cartoonist guitarist/singer/songwriter, writer, poet and pretty good cook.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Show up! I tell anyone who wants to achieve at one thing or another “you have to show up”. This applies to every human pursuit. If you keep at a thing you might get better.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jaywilfordarts.com
• Instagram: jay.wilford.arts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19NoSoxPxB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/qUfIVFfpZADdXXN5dW