Meet Jackie Carson | Artist

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

Hi Jackie, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
The most important thing i’ve done to impact my children’s future is give them an example of how to follow your dreams, even if its hard. I didn’t discover my voice as an artist until I was an adult. I already had children and thousands of responsibilities that should’ve stopped me from following my dream of being an acrylic painter and artist in Denver. Despite it all, my children have watched me struggle and most of all grow as a disabled female artist and continue to attack my passion in any way that allows me to express myself. My children have also witnessed my shift in doing art and looking for approval to doing art for my happiness. I believe everything else will fall in place if I am happy and doing what I am comfortable doing. Showing my children to perform with their best mental state a priority, to do art with no limitations, and to express themselves has really impacted me to continue to follow my dreams as well. They are and will always be my biggest fans!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an acrylic painter who loves color! I mostly create abstract paintings with dot work, line art, and original creatures on canvas, wood, or paper mediums. In the last year or so I have been practicing anatomy so I can do portraits, and create my own scenes and poses. My art is a direct expression of my emotions and has helped me grow out of some dark places. I suffer from multiple chronic illnesses as well as PTSD. I didn’t start exploring with paint until I was on bed recovering from my third surgery in 2016 and I haven’t stopped since! I’ve now grown to 10 surgeries, a pacemaker, and the title of being disabled. I’ve also grown tremendously in my confidence of holding the title of an Artist.

Being A newer Artist in Denver, Ive had to learn a lot about myself as well. I’ve learned that I do my best art when I am not trying to do it for any other reason but because I want to. The colors, smell of the paint, the actual movement of the brush, and the texture- all contribute to my therapeutic needs and has become part of my process. If I am not present and experiencing these moments my art declines and my anxiety increases. throughout the years i’ve learned to do some pretty unorthodox things to keep my mind at peace and to be present which has allowed me to really be an Artist I am proud of.

My art has grown alongside my own growth and it has been a beautiful thing to experience. I continue to advocate for women and their health with my art voice.

* Endometriosis – https://www.endofound.org/endometriosis
* POTS – http://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=34
* PTSD – https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder/Overview

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Im a Denverite, so I would totally take them to my favorite food spots: Danny’s Carnations, Swifts, Hits the Spot for a smothered breakfast burrito. Post Oak for the best pulled pork sandwich in CO! Imperial Chinese Seafood for their authentic Chinese, I would take them to El Tapatio And El Noa Noa as my mexican Dinner cuisine choice, and for dessert they totally would need to go get a Frank Ocean chocolate from Tempered or the Peach Sorbet from High Point Creamery at the Central Market downtown location!

I love our outdoor options in Colorado, so enjoying those activities and camping while checking out the art scene in the mountain towns would be a top visit idea from me! If I was staying in the city, I would still go towards artsy day out and have a day of muesums and art immersive shows like Convergence Station, Von Gogh, Earth Illuminated, Novo ita, Shiki Dreams, Museum for Black Girls, and im sure so many more!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Colorado has one of the most supportive, inclusive, and community focused art scenes ive seen in all of my travels! I am a Native of the city and watched Santa Fe Art District form. I grew up on 11th and Lipan, in an area close to downtown Denver and always wanted to show my art in that area. It was @that5280lady and @alienwizardscience who invited me to participate in my first art shows and make that dream come true! Since then ive met so many amazing artists in every category that have really encouraged me to continue to share my art and provided mentorship- Fashion designers like @iccauhtzin. Artists like @i.amnotunique,@artmom66. Artists/Online Store owners like- @nightshadetreasures, @strangehumanstudios, @noblelionprints (check out @that5280lady store too!). Musicians like @peeriebarra, @albeez_4_sheez. Also businesses that also opened up their doors to my murals and art events like @Dazzle, @HeadyGlassEmporium, @denartket, and @bucuwest.

Website: www.jackiecarson.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jackiecarsonart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carson.jackie