Meet Jackie Fedyk | also known as Quackie Sue from Quackie Sue – Arts Crafts and Gifts, independent freelance artist

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

Hi Jackie, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I create art to battle depression and anxiety. Mental health issues come with a stigma, however, many of us have to navigate this journey through life carrying a lot of unwanted emotional baggage. I feel creativity is an emotional outlet that is not valued enough in our culture. Whenever I am struggling, I turn to creativity as a coping mechanism. I feel empowered when I choose to work through my negative emotions by creating something new; a song, a drawing, a painting, a poem. Art breaks down barriers for me. I’m a very shy person, but when I began creating and sharing my art and music I was surprised to find that I was easily making new connections and friends. I’m inspired by the underdog. I’m inspired by the misfit artists, writers, and musicians who found a way to cope, connect, and express themselves through creativity. Some of these artists are well known and some are not. I think it’s inspiring when an artist creates something beautiful and meaningful through their pain. It teaches me that I too can be reflective, empathetic, and resilient. That’s what keeps me going!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Creativity is important and it can change your life! My art is first and foremost my personal therapy before it is anything else, but it can also be so much more.

Art is about connection and acceptance for me. I was a weird, lonely, shy kid. I learned early in life that I could use my creativity to make friends. I love creating in a community. Collaborating with others is one of my favorite things to do. I love to do commissions, and to design special, one of a kind, pieces for loved ones and clients.

Working as a full time artist is a new experience for me. I’ve been creating and selling art full time for three years. I spent my adult life working very physical jobs and it has taken a toll on my body. Just before Covid, I had to quit my job to focus on my health. Sadly this resulted in a devastating depression. I felt I could no longer provide for myself and my family in the way I had. I was stuck at home for two years, completely confused, and with no direction. This was where my art business adventure began.

A friend encouraged me to get back into art to cope. I had nothing to lose, so I gave it a try. My first project was Drawtober, an online art challenge where you create a spooky drawing every day for the month of October. I completed and shared a drawing every day and soon people on social media began asking for prints. I took out a small loan to purchase an art printer and began creating poster art for friends, loved ones and my community.

It can be hard to make ends meet doing art fulltime. I definitely have to pay my dues, but I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been. It’s because I love what I am doing and I love making people happy with my art!

I hope sharing my story helps other creatives that struggle with similar issues.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend is in town, where do we go?

First of all, we would have to get lunch at Avogadro’s and sit out on the patio near the fountain. I recommend the fish and chips with an unsweetened iced tea. I don’t know what it is, but the iced tea is really good there, it reminds me of my grandma’s sun tea.

Then we might go to The Lyric to see a weird art film, or maybe a local performance. For shopping, we’d have to check out Funktional Thrift Store, Medusa Gothic, Driver 8 Records, and Bizarre Bizarre, to look for treasures. We’d walk around old town and window shop before having an ice cream at Walrus.

In the evening we would go to Tasty Harmony for dinner. After that we would move on to the Fort Collins Ghost Tour. I’ve already done it twice, but my bestie must experience it. Next we’ll hang out at Pinball Jones and play some games for awhile. We could also see a local band at Surfside 7, or a Blast N Scrap event. I would end the evening at Social in old town with some fancy drinks.

The next morning, it’s breakfast at either Snooze or The Rainbow and then we look for all the old Victorian houses in town and walk around the local cemeteries, before heading to the art museum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a Shoutout to Mag at the Art Mart for providing a welcoming community to vend and meet other artists.

I would also like to give a Shoutout to Stacey at Peaced Together Art for giving me an opportunity to share creativity with our community by co-hosting Ugly Art Night (a creative art workshop we facilitate together.)

I will also give a Shoutout to Mic/Blasty at Blast N Scrap for supporting my entire family by giving us opportunities to sell art and play music.

I would also like to give a Shoutout to my daughter Jasper and my husband Myke for always supporting me no matter what.

Website: www.quackiesue.com

Instagram: quackie_sue

Facebook: Quackie Sue – Arts, Crafts Gifts

Image Credits
Images are all my own.