Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik of IPaintPoorly.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The IPaintPoorly website came about as an idea to create a platform for “poorly” painted art. I know that’s an unusual way of putting it but I really mean it. If you think your art is poor or not great, I want to display it on www.ipaintpoorly.com and prove you wrong. I’m joking but I want to encourage everyone to paint. I’m a veteran and I believe strongly in art therapy. I encountered barriers to entry in the art world and I wanted to create an online sanctuary where “poorly” painted art is celebrated. My philosophy is, “Anyone can paint. You can paint. Share your art.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
www.ipaintpoorly.com was created after one of my paintings was rejected from a local charity art auction. I know I should have managed expectations and not just assumed they accept everything but this was all new. I’ve painted here and there growing up in my spare time but only for my own personal display and gifts. However, over the years friends and family encouraged me to submit something so one day I finally did. I thought, “how can anyone say no to a donation?”… however I was promptly rejected.
I’ve never thought of myself as an artist or a painter, but I’d also never had someone tell me that I wasn’t. As a veteran and strong supporter of art therapy, I thought about how much art has benefited me and how there really wasn’t a place to go for beginners. IPaintPoorly.com is for everyone that hasn’t “made it” yet. Moreover, the proceeds all benefit charity (specifically Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, The American Cancer Society, and The Wounded Warrior Project) and your art is on display for free so it’s a win-win.
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?
The intent of the website www.ipaintpoorly.com is to display other artists’ work in addition to my own so I guess what sets it apart is the diversity of its content and the inclusivity of its mission. My intent was to motivate all artists regardless of skill level to accept imperfections and share their art. I want to empower everyone to own their skill level and love it. I want to normalize the acceptance of those imperfections because they make you who you are… and that’s what art is. You. By its very nature, everything you create is art, and whether you’re on the B squad or not, you’re in the game. My motto is, “you’re the artist in the arena, face marred with dust and sweat. Your art matters.”
What does success mean to you?
I think there are many definitions of success but they all center around doing something that you love. If one can find fulfillment while providing something of value to others, I believe they have succeeded in life. The pursuit of that has many ups and downs and molds us into who we are. Those bumps and bruises are what we eventually translate into art. I find fulfillment in creating and sharing art. I’ve found that I can exponentially increase that fulfillment by motivating others to also share their art. However, my greatest reward is the proceeds I am able to donate to charity. I support the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, The American Cancer Society, and The Wounded Warrior Project.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ipaintpoorly.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ipaintpoorly/
