Today we’d like to introduce you to Winter Walker.
Hi Winter, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been painting for nearly nine years, but it wasn’t until I read The Creative Act by Rick Rubin that I felt inspired to begin sharing my art with the world. One passage deeply resonated with me: “The only art the world gets to enjoy is from creators who’ve overcome those hurdles and released their work.” That line encouraged me to take the leap and apply to exhibit my work for the first time.
In the past year, I’ve embraced this new chapter as both a painter and a creative entrepreneur. After applying to Calendula Gallery, I began teaching myself how to create prints and stickers of my work — a process that came with its own learning curve. My first attempts became gifts for friends, and over time I refined my methods, continuously adapting and improving.
This journey has brought me more than just new skills. I’ve connected with fellow artists, built friendships, and discovered how much I love vending at events. I love sharing stories about my work face-to-face with people who inquire about my inspirations. The greatest joy comes from knowing that my paintings now live in the homes of others, carrying a part of me into their everyday lives.
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?
The road has had it’s ups and downs much as any profession or really any journey in life, I had a project I helped another artist with and the tables turned quickly and I learned to only work with people who value my time and effort. It was a good reminder to stand by my worth and to be cautious of who I choose to work with.
And then there are printers, probably every artist’s true nemesis. Some days they act fine, and other days it feels like they’ve decided to go on strike just because. I’ve had my fair share of battles with mine, but I’m planning to upgrade to a Canon or Epson with refillable tanks soon. At least then the ink will last longer, and maybe I’ll win a few more arguments with my printer.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work primarily with acrylic paint, I tend to do a lot of abstract/surrealism work. When I paint, I like my pieces to make a statement, tell a story because when I paint. I’m usually processing a deep feeling such as heartbreak, love, longing, or even moments of peace.
I’m currently working on building a collection and finding a gallery to do an exhibition. The name is going to be Season of Love, and it’s going to showcase atomically correct hearts going through the stages of love, there will be other pieces apart of it that won’t be atomically correct hearts as well. But while I’ve been creating this collection, I’ve realized how many pieces of art I’ve created in love and heartbreak. Which is why I want to release it.
When I think of releasing this collection into the world, I think of releasing the pain that resulted in me creating it. Honestly I find that showing my work, selling it, and seeing other people enjoy it whether they are interested in why I created it is healing in itself. I find that artwork is very therapeutical because it allows us to process our feelings on a canvas when words can be hard to find to name them.
I think that the depth of my artwork sets me apart from others along with the various color full themes integrating nature. When I create my work and finish it, when I look at it. I find that I feel taken in with the various themes of color, what the piece represents, and what inspired it.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Honestly I think I would advise anyone starting out to just go out there and talk to people, don’t be afraid to try anything, and any obstacle is an opportunity to learn and overcome it.
Honestly I can’t really think of anything I wish I knew starting out, I was very proactive in speaking with established artists about how they started and their processes. But to anyone starting out I would highly recommend finding some places to connect with other artists and learning about their processes.
Pricing:
- Stickers $5 or 2 for $8
- Prints $35 or 2 for $50
- Original paintings vary
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arts_of_winter/
