Alex Waggoner is so wonderfully unique. We love her use of color and details. You look at a piece and say WOW, that's special. Do I buy just one or an entire collection?? Below, we asked Alex to share a little more about herself and what it's like being a full-time artist. Photo credit: Elizabeth Ervin
I grew up in Gastonia, North Carolina. A small town right outside of Charlotte. It was great. My brother and I spent a lot of time exploring and getting dirty outside.
I live with my boyfriend Chris who is an illustrator. Having a built-in art critic is so nice. We have two grey, spotted dogs named Bishop and Midas. I am either spamming my Instagram followers with pictures of paintings or pictures of pups. They are the best.
In 2017, I left my food and bev job in Charleston and started painting full-time(ish). I was still babysitting on the side for a couple wonderful families, but the majority of my days were spent in the studio. When Chris and I moved to Atlanta in 2019, I decided to actually paint full-time.
I went to Savannah College of Art and Design and received a BFA in Painting and Printmaking. After school I worked food and bev for years but always wanted to end up just painting. I never really imagined doing anything else.
I love working for myself (most of the time). I enjoy the trial and error of making this one person show work most efficiently. It can be incredibly stressful but when I complete a body of work it is very rewarding.
It’s not a glamorous answer! Haha! I am working to restructure how I space commissions and self directed paintings throughout the year. 2021 will be a totally different schedule and I am excited to see how it helps with my productivity goals.
Consistency is my overarching mental health theme. I keep a consistent sleep schedule. Chris and I wake up at 5 am and do yoga together, I run three days a week. I am at the studio Monday through Friday 9-6. Structure helps me feel less stressed and helps me let go when it's not work time.
There are so many amazing entrepreneurial artists in Charleston, I wish I would have reached out for a mentor years ago to glimpse their business model.
Draw more – I still need to draw more. Just practice and push yourself constantly.
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. Can’t wait to start her new book Caste.
Avatar The Last Airbender (the animated Nickelodeon series) the story is happy, sad and so poignant. And the artwork is beautiful.
Japan. Chris and I went in November of 2019 and never wanted to leave. The architecture, food, cities, country. Man, it was amazing.
Miles From Nowhere, Cat Stevens
I used to work at The Gin Joint in Charleston and learned how to make some amazing, complex drinks but I love classics like a negroni or a very good margarita. Two totally different vibes.
A big batch cocktail, cheap beer, a good playlist and LOTS of people (obviously a very pre-COVID answer)
My skateboard. Cruising around Atlanta with Chris and the dogs has been a great social distance activity.
Goop Glowscreen. It is 40 SPF but doesn’t feel or smell like sunscreen. I wear it everyday and I like to think my older self will thank me.
NYX eyebrow gel. I used to buy more expensive brands but this one is just as great, lasts longer, and is cruelty free.
“I love working for myself (most of the time). I enjoy the trial and error of making this one person show work most efficiently. It can be incredibly stressful but when I complete a body of work it is very rewarding.”
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