Meet Austin Kent | Artist, jewelry designer, psychophysical sustainability advocate.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Austin Kent and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Austin, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m most inspired by simple things. Patterns formed by water ripples, the way grass and leaves glow when hit by the sun at sunset, the patterns of mudcracks and termite tracks, to name a few. The world is seriously amazing in its creative patterns. Usually I find myself observing these things and feeling really enthralled.

I’m also inspired by the power of human creativity. Despite some of the negative consequences of our immense drive to create, I am continually inspired by the art of people. I’m inspired when people persist through challenging circumstances. I’m inspired when I meet people who choose to live in a way that is true to their hearts despite what common cultural conceptions may say.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art has always been of an abstract or freeform style. I’m very open about the fact that my work and my creative process is always evolving. A few threads have carried through all evolutions of my artistic career so far: the first is the physical use of patterns inspired my nature; things like water ripples, mudcracks, and the bark of trees all catch my attention and draw me in. The other thread that has persisted for years, is the exploration of connection of all varieties; inner and outer worlds, past and future, and the relationships between people, and between people and the nonhuman members of the Earth community.

I am the owner and designer of Austin Kent Art. The key message of my business is that there is deep value when there is a personal connection, environmental responsibility, and story connected to the artifacts that we buy. Austin Kent Art is my workshop, where I try new things in the realm of fine art and fine jewelry.

I am at the very beginning of my journey as a creative entrepreneur. I spent many years making art in the form of drawing and painting (primarily) before walking into the world of jewelry design, and beginning to build a business around my art. It took a lot of time and inner work to even feel that I was capable of doing such a thing as making money on my creativity. I credit a lot of my success so far with my practice of mindfulness meditation, breath work, and working with a handful of personal growth and mindfulness coaches. The road of entrepreneurship, and especially being an artist entrepreneur, is riddled with stories of limitation, that need undone before the work can progress; stories like ‘I’m not good enough to be a professional artist’, and ‘I was always told I can’t make a living off of art’ were big ones. It has not been easy to reprogram these false stories, but it has been so worthwhile for me. Most of the times our main obstacle, is our own false stories about our worthiness, capability, and ability.

The biggest thing I’ve learned from this journey of starting to build a creative based business, is that the only way to your dream is to start working on it! I have learned so many things simply by starting, and asking TONS of questions; friends, YouTube, and books have supported me immensely. Just start. It’s so important to avoid getting stuck on things being perfect. Any website is better than spending months on the ‘perfect’ website. Any Instagram post is better than waiting till you can hire a marketer or get ‘good enough’. Just start, and the success will come eventually. Finally, a huge lesson I have learned is this; practice telling people what you do, and what you offer! You never know who wants what your creativity has to offer, until you tell them what you offer! I’ve made numerous jewelry sales from the unlikeliest places, just by telling people what I do, and following up with them if they express interest.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado Springs has been my home for all my life, and I still find exciting new places! I would always take someone to Garden of the Gods or North Cheyenne Canyon, for a nice hike. On a nice day I might drive Gold Camp Road, especially in the fall when the Aspen leaves are changing. I love taking people to get drinks at Red Leg Brewing Company, and Brooklyn’s on Boulder. My favorite places to eat are Shugas, 503W, and Saigon Café, and Monica’s Tacos. Finally, I would take someone to see local art at the Fine Arts Center, Kreuser Gallery, and True North Gallery, or Lightspeed Curations for a more ‘underground’ art experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people, places, ideas, and organizations that I have been connected with that have shaped and supported who I am. The most important though, are my parents. Their continual support, trust, and advice has helped me in so many ways.

Website: austinkentart.com

Instagram: @austinkentart

Image Credits
Paula Ray