Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Piper.
Hi Meredith, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
One of my first memories of creating something was with my dad. When I was a small child, he would draw figures for me to color and design on top of. I could get lost making fashion designs with my textured rubbing sheets.
There was awe in creating the appearance of texture on a flat piece of paper. My fascination has grown over the decades from paper and pencil, to oil and acrylic paints, as well as weaving, woodworking, and ceramics.
The arts were always such a big part of my life; guitar, ballet, and any form of visual art. I could only dream that one would actually pan out to be a full-time career. I studied 2D and 3D art in college as well as psychology at Louisiana Tech University.
Everything changed when I met a boy from South Carolina, my now husband. He encouraged me to continue creating my personal body of work while teaching art in the Louisiana school system.
Seven years ago is when I took the plunge to stop teaching and move into creating art full-time. I had my first solo art show at a friend’s coffee shop. I also began painting live at events, which was an incredible way to sharpen my skills and meet new people.
Six years ago, when we moved back to my husband’s hometown of Greenville, South Carolina with our two pups. I had the incredible opportunity to open up my studio/gallery at the Art Crossing in downtown Greenville along the Reedy River.
The downtown area is bustling and very alive with locals and tourists alike. It’s been a great space to showcase my work and work alongside other artists in the area.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest obstacles for my business was moving back to my husband’s hometown.
I had worked very hard the first year of my business to make a name for myself in Louisiana and it felt like I was starting over when we moved halfway across the country. Although it was my second year of business, it felt like my first all over again.
Those beginning days in Greenville were full of cold calling. Reaching out to other artists, photographers, vendors, and anyone who was kind enough to have a conversation or a cup of coffee with me.
But from those conversations grew some pretty great friendships that I still have today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I usually release my artwork in collections a few times throughout the year. My second collection this year will be available on July 21st. This body of work is called the Provence paintings because it is the work I created at a residency program in the south of France this spring.
With the exception of the very biggest pieces, I brought the wooden panels I painted on and all of my supplies with me in a suitcase. Those two weeks of Plein Air painting in the south of France brought about something new in my work. The light was just magical over there and cast the most beautiful shadows.
Some of my most recognizable works are my landscapes and waterscapes. I primarily use acrylic paint now, but I still layer paint like an oil painter. One of the things I hear the most in my studio is how people love the colors in my paintings.
I love color theory and mixing interesting color combinations. I think that is why my color palette resonates with some people.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Collaborating with others is always fun and I love working with others.
My husband and I have been collaborating on a children’s book, “Are You Yeti?” that will be available in late August through our websites.
The imagery stems from illustrations my husband has been making for the last 9 years for our wedding anniversary.
The main character is a pretty adorable Yeti going on life’s adventure… are you Yeti?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.meredithpiper.com
- Instagram: @meredithpiperart
- Facebook: @meredithpiperart
Image Credits
Carter Tippins of Electric Soul Creative
