Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley McClellan.
Hi Riley, 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?
I have been creative since I was little. I was always drawing, collaging, crafting. The women in my family are also very artistic so I always had plenty of supplies to play around with. When I was in elementary school, I wanted to be a fashion designer and I had a book full of my “designs”. Once I got to high school and started learning real techniques for studio arts that’s when I honed in on my creativity. I loved learning new mediums, techniques, art styles, and art history. I took AP Art in my senior year and decided to pursue a Studio Art degree in college.
At university, I was able to develop my skills and subject matter and learn a whole new medium of printmaking. I had never even heard of printmaking before, but I fell in love with it because of the unique style and how dedicated the artists have to be. I also continued my studies of ceramics, oil painting, and watercolor as part of my degree. For my senior show, I created a series called “Color and Emotion”; oil portraits using unconventional color to explore how we as humans can have hidden inner emotions and multiple conflicting feelings at the same time.
After I graduated I moved to Colorado and opened my Etsy store and started making some new pieces (mostly watercolor), but soon after was when lockdown happened so I wasn’t able to generate a lot of momentum for my business. It was only once I moved to Jacksonville about 4 years ago that I started vending at markets, making new products, and selling my artwork to people who weren’t just friends or family. I’ve continued making whimsical watercolor pieces,
added another oil piece to my “Color and Emotion” series, and lately I’ve been getting back into relief printmaking by doing all of my printing at home. I also opened my own online storefront on BigCartel where I have more personalization. I am grateful for the art community here in Jacksonville that has allowed me to showcase my work and connect with other artists.
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?
I would say that it has been mostly a smooth road given the circumstances, but it’s definitely not without its bumps. I am very lucky that I’ve had a lot of people supporting me and my art, including my parents. Their encouragement has been what has kept me going. And I’m so grateful I was able to pursue a degree I was actually interested in and learn so much about art.
Since getting out of college though, I feel like I’m constantly trying to find my way. Usually there isn’t a direct path for an art career unless it’s an educator and not having that structure after college definitely threw me off. The fact that lockdown happened soon after I graduated also made me feel even more confused and like I would never have any opportunities in my chosen field. I felt lost and at times I still do, it’s hard when something you dedicate yourself to doesn’t pay off. I’ve felt like that’s happened many times in this journey with markets, jobs, social media posts, art sales, connections, commissions, you name it. Sometimes it feels like it’s all for not. But it’s all part of the process. I believe all of the things I’ve learned through these experiences are going to help me get to where I need to be. I’ll be able to apply everything when I get the opportunity. And if nothing else, I can say that I keep getting back up on that horse. Creating art is embedded in who I am so I will always be making things; and as long as I’m making things I might as well try to share it with the world.
I hope I can encourage others to make art too, just as my friends and family have done for me. I believe being creative and expressing who we are is part of what makes us human. It doesn’t matter what medium you create in, the world needs your art. It can help you heal and it can connect us as humans.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am mostly a painter and relief printmaker, but I still like to experiment with different mediums. That love for learning and trying new styles is still a part of me. I would say I am most known for my relief prints and my colorful, whimsical watercolor pieces. I always say portraiture is my favorite subject, but lately I’ve leaned into a lot of nature-inspired work as well as some fanart here and there. I’ve been doing a lot of “whimsical” work since getting out of school because I want my art to bring joy and beauty. It makes me smile and I hope that’s true for others too. That being said, my Color and Emotion series is still probably the thing I am most proud of because of the execution and deeper meaning behind it.
I think what sets me apart is that I combine profession skill, technique, and execution with simplistic yet whimsical subject matter.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am open to all types of collaboration! I would love to work with other artists on projects, even if we work in different mediums! I would also love to be part of more art-specific markets and I would be thrilled for my work to be shown in a gallery, coffee shop, event space, etc. If you are an artist, event coordinator, gallery, or anyone in the field looking to work on something together please contact me via Instagram or email!
The best ways to support me as an artist are buying art, engaging on socials, coming out to markets, and staying in touch! When someone really loves or connects with my art and I get to talk with them about it, that is the biggest support and motivation to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rmcclellanart.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileymcc_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rileymcclellanart
