Today we’d like to introduce you to Noreen Dixon
Hi Noreen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As an artist, my journey began unexpectedly in 2010, through a simple DIY decor project that blossomed into a profound passion for painting. What started as a small canvas for my bathroom quickly transformed into larger pieces filled with vibrant colors and textured layers, each telling its own unique story.
I vividly recall the moment when my walls became my audience, and I felt like Oprah with a paintbrush, exclaiming, “You get a canvas, and you get a canvas, everyone gets a canvas!” Encouraged by a friend, I joined an Art Guild, which marked the beginning of my artistic exploration.
The excitement of those who buy my art fills me with so much joy that I cannot imagine doing anything else.
The transition from a full-time corporate job to a full-time artist was a pivotal decision that I made in 2018. It was a leap of faith, fueled by the thrill of creating and the joy of sharing my work with others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh gracious, no! Has anyone found that road?
I find it ironic that setbacks and obstacles that life throws at me are easier to navigate than the ones I bring along for the ride. Two years ago I had a TBI. I’m still recovering. Motor skills, memory and still trying to beat the fatigue that sneaks up. We also moved cross country last year and I am now finding my place here in the Greenville Art Scene.
Both of those have been challenging to my art journey.
Fear, self-doubt and imposter syndrome are struggles that still creep in. I have big artistic dreams but also know they are only attainable if I nurture them to life. I’ve learned I can do things while I’m scared. That is a life changing mindset! Faith over fear. It becomes a little less scary each time I take the next step.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I paint intuitively. I create my art using acrylic paint and gestural strokes. I’ll start with strong lines, words, or marks and keep layering paint until my process reveals where the painting is headed. The layers are important to my work as that is how the story builds. There is a moment in this practice that guides me toward what the painting is needing from me. I’m learning and leaning more into artistic freedom and leaving overthinking behind. I want my art to be fluid, honest and raw, which I believe will tell its own story to each viewer, inviting them in and taking them on a personal journey.
I might be alone in this, but one crazy thing with every commission I have had is that people have requested NOT to see it until I deliver it. To know that people put an idea out there and trust me to create a statement piece for their home or office is a huge honor. I had a 15 piece commission for a corporate office building and they did not see any of them until they were installed.
I’m most proud of every time I overcame fear and asked a question, that opened a door for my artwork.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Paint what you want in the way that you like. You do not need anyone’s permission or approval. You don’t have to have a fancy space or a studio. Just get your creative self out there!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.noreendixonart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noreendixonart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noreendixonart
