We had the good fortune of connecting with Margaret Acoff and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Margaret, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Failure is not an option for me. With hard work, determination and resilience nothing is going to stop me. Curveballs are inevitable, regroup and try again. I will never give up on myself.
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 come from an extremely creative family but I never thought I was good enough in comparison so being an artist/creative never crossed my mind. My sister went to F.I.T in NYC and my brothers had major accolades in their own artistic careers. I didn’t think I compared to their greatness so I didn’t. For a long time I didn’t create anything, but on January 23, 2015 my world imploded. I lost my mommy to a massive heart attack at the age of 50. I was so angry and lost, I hated the world and honestly didn’t want to be a part of it anymore honestly. After my mom passed away I only lived for my son and my wife until one day I picked a paint brush. I’d never painted in my personal life before so I didn’t put much effort in what I was actually doing.That day changed my life, painting lit a fire in me that i never knew existed. I was able to express myself in a way that was not possible before. Being able to do that started my healing journey. For the first time in my whole life I saw my purpose, picking up that paintbrush literally changed my life. Since starting this journey ive sold over 30 pieces of art work, had a residency at a local gallery and ive headlined an event. I am a completely self-taught artist and I know my adventure is just starting, I am very proud of myself.
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.
Colorado Springs has AMAZING local breakfast eats. As a native New Yorker I know the best places to go are local places. Getting out into the city to explore is the best part of visiting a different city. We’d drive around exploring, no real plans just the road less traveled. Next is Garden of the Gods, that place is jaw dropping. I love to take my time at these locations, just to really appreciate what nature has given us. Later on we’d have an amazing dinner and then hit up an arcade bar.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to three people. Id like to first shoutout my mommy, her passing was the reason I started painting. Second my wife, you are my muse. Lastly I’d like to shoutout my son, I want to be just like you when I grow up.
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