Meet Jocelyn Catterson | Artist

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

Hi Jocelyn, how do you think about risk?
Pursuing this creative career wholeheartedly is one of the most significant risks I have ever taken, and it is absolutely terrifying. Any time you seek something that sets your soul on fire, there is a big risk involved. You are throwing your whole self at something that tugs at your heartstrings and could ultimately fail. It is incredibly vulnerable. It is scary.

Although most days I am very thankful and satisfied doing work that “sets my soul on fire,” I also have days that I miss the perceived security of something more “normal.” That, for me, is the hardest part. Some days, I don’t feel like I can continue to put myself out into the world in such a risky and vulnerable way. If this fails, it is tied more closely to my soul than another career or pursuit.

But at the end of the day, not taking that risk could be more harmful. I don’t want to spend my life wondering what might happen if I had chosen to pursue my dreams and passions, if I decided to take big risks, etc. I don’t want to stay safe and secure if it means feeling small and limited. I would rather take that risk, even if that means failing. Without the risks I have taken in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to be here.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is incredibly grounded in place. No matter what medium I use (pen/ink, painting, mixed media, sculpture), my pieces are inspired and influenced by the place I live in. The San Luis Valley is pure magic. I have been coming to visit the San Luis Valley my whole life and have vivid childhood memories of the Sand Dunes, visiting the crocodile farm, and swimming in the hot springs. When I finally moved here a little over a year ago and started going on daily walks around the desert, something clicked for me as an artist. MAGIC. I’m serious. Intimate and beautiful experiences with desert creatures, hidden nooks and crannies among the desert rocks and canyons, the extremes of the landscape, and something in the golden light and the strong wind… I started creating prolifically, and the valley responded with so much love and support. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today professionally if I wasn’t HERE, in this valley, surrounded by these mountains, held by this community. But it took me a long time and a lot of ups and downs to get here.

I have been an “artist” my whole life and even made money as a photographer in high school and early college. I participated in art shows throughout school and have always made mixed media art for myself. But at some time in college, I stopped making art and focused on school, getting a career, etc. I was trying to do what I thought I was “supposed” to do. It didn’t suit me. There was a long period in my 20s when I was in a really dark place and not creating much of anything. Finally, crawling out of that dark place brought me back to my home state of Colorado and to this valley.

When I first got here, I was a puddle of a human, so disconnected from myself and what I wanted and needed. So I started walking—every day. And I was so inspired by the landscape around me that I started drawing. At first, I didn’t think about sharing it with people because it felt so deeply personal. But my partner and some of my close friends eventually convinced me I should share the pieces with people, so I did. And BOOM! The valley and this community responded to me and my artwork with so much love and support that my artistic career exploded. Quickly.

It’s partially because the people who choose to live here, in this extreme landscape, think it is as magical as I do, and they respond to the magic I try to convey in my art. People get excited when they recognize the places, plants, or animals, in my drawings and paintings. Then they want to collaborate or share it as well. It is a domino effect. This community is so supportive. SHOUTOUT TO THE SAN LUIS VALLEY COMMUNITY!

That being said, it still takes work. This is a very vulnerable path to pursue, at least for me, because my art is so personal. I still struggle with fear of failure and a lot of imposter syndrome, which leads me to try to do too many things at once or say yes to too many projects. That’s the biggest thing I am learning. It’s okay to say no to things that don’t align with your artistic path or vision. It is okay to realize that certain ways of being an artist don’t suit you. It’s okay to take breaks. If you don’t, if you say yes to everything and just gogogo, you’ll drown. Again, I’m still learning to do this! Also, connecting and collaborating with other artists is the best thing you could possibly do. Hold each other up. Give each other advice. Support one another. You need it.

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.
Any hike on public land anywhere in the valley. Again, this place is magic. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a staple. But the best part about the valley is the beauty you can find while exploring. Choose a road. Choose somewhere on a map. You won’t be disappointed.

Check out the hot springs. The area is full of hot springs, each with its unique feel and charm. Plus, sitting in hot mineral water while looking out at the high alpine desert and snowy mountains… Wowza.

Raisin’ Rye is the most amazing and delicious bakery in Del Norte with the kindest people. The SLV Food Company food truck, also in Del Norte, has delicious food. Three Barrel Brewing Co too!

This is a tricky question for me to answer. I don’t want to give away all the fantastic little secret spots. And truly listing all of the amazing businesses and places to eat would take forever! So honestly, when I have friends or family visit, we hike/explore, go to the hot springs, and go to the local bakery/food truck. That alone is enough to fill a whole week.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family. Hands down. They have always supported my dreams and passions, held me up when I felt like I couldn’t keep going, and told me hard things I needed to hear. I have spent many hours on the phone with my parents over the past year, talking through the fear and insecurity inherent in pursuing this dream of mine. I have almost backtracked multiple times, retreating to a more straightforward path or something more secure. They are great about asking hard questions, reminding me it is okay to pivot or slightly adjust my way, and being there to cheer me on. Without their support, love, and encouragement, I wouldn’t be here.

Website: www.jocelyncattersonart.com

Instagram: @artofjocelyncatterson

Other: jocelyncatterson@gmail.com

Image Credits
Elsa Rhae