Mitchell McClosky, College Place, WA
Member Since December 2020
Artist Statement I've been drawing most of my young life. The discovery of other mediums came later, but drawing was the foundation. My artistic journey began when my artist at heart superseded my interest in any other choices of professions. I chose most importantly to do what I love and love what I do. Animals and nature hold a special place in my heart and are the major source of inspiration in my art.
I'm a U.S. citizen born in 1994, raised in the Eastern Washington countryside near the Cascade Range. I was introduced to the world of art at Pateros High School, graduating in 2013. I thereafter took a couple of college introductory drawing classes with my general studies completing an Associates of Arts and Science degree through Wenatchee Valley Community College. Although I enjoyed drawing, I did not realistically consider a career in art at the time.
Being raised in the countryside gave me a unique appreciation for nature and respect for the wildlife. My interest in climbing mountains, watching birds, stalking deer, bothering rattlesnakes, and discovering hidden secrets in nature helped me define, more than I knew then, who I wanted to become.
My journey was definitely not straight as the crow flies, but a dizzying winding path that led to a variety of short-lived occupations. The most notable of those were four years of seasonal groundskeeping at golf courses and studying to become a commercial pilot. I was chasing my tail in circles (metaphorically) not knowing my direction in life and trapped in my lack of confidence in my own abilities as an artist. But I always told myself that if I could make a living as an artist, that's what I would do.
It wasn't until the summer of 2019 when I chose that I wanted to be an artist over anything else I could give to this world. I was two years in Walla Walla University's flight program studying to earn my instrument rating on my way to becoming a commercial pilot when my desire to become an artist took over all other ambitions. When it all came down to it, I said to myself, "what occupation would I choose if I didn't have to worry about money?" Art, obviously. It sounds irrational, but that's what I did.
At an art show in 2019 I asked Lary McKee for his one piece of advice to an aspiring artist. He said, "One, believe in yourself. Two, don't ever take anyone's advice that you can't do it." I've held those words close ever since.
I am currently working to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree at Walla Walla University by the Spring of 2021. The stress of college, 2020, and other life struggles has been difficult, but I have found renewed energy and happiness by spending time with God and within His natural creation. It is my goal to lead others in a closer connection with nature and ultimately guide hearts to a better relationship with our Creator. As my own relationship with God grows, so will my art.
This story is still being written.
12/28/2020
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