From Emerging Artist to Solo Show: Gwen Hollingsworth’s Blueprint
The Professional Artist Podcast: Art Business Transformations - A podcast by The Professional Artist Association
In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, abstract painter Gwen Hollingsworth is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.
She shares how she blends spirituality and structure in her creative practice. Drawing from influences like Buddhism and Jungian thought, Gwen reflects on building a professional art career while staying true to her inner world. She shares insights from her solo show in New York, her experience at the Silver Art residency, and how business tools like a clear studio space, an elevator pitch, and consistent follow-up have helped her grow with purpose.
“Rejection is protection. If something doesn’t work out, it’s often for a reason - and that opens the door for something better.”
– Gwen Hollingsworth
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Gwen's Artistic Philosophy
01:11 The Importance of Studio Space
02:16 Description of the Artwork Incantation
03:23 Spirituality and Artistic Practice
04:41 Residencies and Experimentation
06:20 Building Connections in the Art World
09:01 The Role of Social Media in an Artist's Career
13:35 The Value of Peer Support and Community
20:24 Applying for Residencies and Facing Rejection
25:13 Financial Realities and Advice for Emerging Artists
Links to artworks discussed
- Incantation, Heartlines, and Siren can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.
- For high resolution versions of the artworks mentioned, access the members-only full unabridged conversation here.
Resources
- Silver Art Projects: https://www.silverart.org/
- Artsy: https://www.artsy.net/
- New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA): https://www.nyfa.org/
Connect with Gwen:
- Website: https://www.gwenhollingsworth.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwenhollingsworth/
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
- Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letter
- Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator
Free training and resources:
- Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following here.
- Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent here.
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