Meet Caitlin Maupin | Freelance Artist & Muralist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Caitlin Maupin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Caitlin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
With risk, came great reward for me! Over the past few years, I have seen the benefits to putting myself out there and taking opportunities.
In the beginning stages of my art career, I called them my “Yes Years.” This meant, any opportunity that came my way, I would say yes to! Yes to large scale projects, yes to tiny favors, yes to anyone who was interested in what I had to offer.
My career started on saying yes and entering a competition in a field I hadn’t tried yet. This was the start to my now career. If I hadn’t tried something new, I don’t know where I would be now.
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.
Creating art is one of the most important things in my life! I love the practice of doing it, as well as the outcome when viewing it. I took chances with creating murals and paintings, which eventually turned into a full time job.
I want people to understand that art is everywhere you look and influences your every day actions without even noticing. You could be picking a new coffee shop solely on the logo you see on the storefront window. You can feel emotions when passing a mural on your walk home. For every logo, design, painting you see, there is a person behind that work who created it.
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?
One unique thing about my field of work, is when a friend comes in visit, I get to physically take them to see my murals around town!
I would suggest staying at the Hampton Inn in Abingdon, where you will find one of my largest murals. After I would head to shop at the Mall at Johnson City, where first mural can be seen on the mall’s exterior. While in the area, catch a movie or eat downtown. I would take a walk on the Creeper Trail leading to Damascus, VA. There you will find another building I had the opportunity to paint, “Damascus Outfitters” where you can find all necessities for hiking the Appalachian Trail. The East TN area is known for its beautiful mountains and scenery, which you will find in a lot of my own artwork.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first initial answer to your question immediately went to my parents. As little kids, you have these big aspirations about what you may want to do when you grow up. There’s a stereotype to becoming an artist or saying that you want to have a career in solely art. Many parents would respond with that as, “That’s great! But let’s find another option for you that will actually make money!” When I told my parents I wanted to be an artist, they only responded with, “That’s great!” There was no criticism attached. They continued to support my dream and still do.
I believe a parents opinion makes a great impression on their kid. Once I stated my goals, I was provided with the tools to learn how to achieve them. I was lucky enough to be enrolled in art classes at a very early age. I was always told that if I work hard and stick to something, I will succeed- and that’s what I still strive for today.
My support system began with just my parents, but quickly multiplied with friends, and carried into my community. Now I feel lucky to have a group of peers that cheer me on daily.
Website: http://colormecaitlin.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colormecaitlin/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colormecaitlinart
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