Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Daisy Milner.
Hi Megan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Eight years ago, I decided to try something new and enroll in a 6-week painting class when my husband and I moved back to Charlotte. I had always been creative but had never painted. The first week I painted a landscape that still hangs in my house and I was hooked. Without thinking I signed the painting Daisy which has now become my signature. From there I started painting for myself regularly, then for friends, and then I started selling my work. Now my work is all over the country- it has been a wild journey.
Painting has opened me up to trying new things and being open to failure. Every time I create a new work it’s like putting my whole being, my entire self on stage for people to see. Creating has pushed me into places I never thought I would go. I can’t imagine my life now without creating art.
I have my undergrad degree from NC State’s College of Textiles so I reached out to them last year when I wanted to bring some textile ideas I had for my own home to life. Fast forward twelve months and I am now offering textiles and wallpaper to the public. Seeing my designs come to life (especially on grasscloth) still makes me giddy. I love interiors and am constantly changing things up in my house so this textile venture has been so fun!
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 it ever a smooth road?!?
The biggest struggle for me are the massive up and down swings of being an artist and small business owner. One hour you are on top of the world just finished a painting, sold another painting through a gallery, and then you get a rejection email the next hour that brings you crashing down. I have been working on being more even-keeled about this artistic journey but it has been a struggle!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love color and watching my paintings evolve over hours of work. It usually takes me four to five sessions to finish a painting. I start by making charcoal marks, painting a neutral color on the canvas, and then slowly add colors. I then finish off my work with oil pastels which are my personal favorite. I always feel like a 5-year-old coloring with crayons when I use pastels.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Be you and put your blinders on. I try not to worry about what other people are doing and just be me- even if people don’t like it. It’s easier said than done but I’m working on it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.megandaisymilner.com
- Instagram: @megandaisymilnerart
Image Credits
@kathrynkingphotography
