DREI FRAGEN with Acid Baby
Artist Acid Baby shares her artistic wisdom.
Each Wednesday I ask a different artist the same three questions.
This week’s artist is Acid Baby, whose artwork I was mesmerised by at a London Art Fair in 2023. She has a unique and recognisable style that I really enjoy!
1. What first sparked your interest in creating art?
If I am being completely honest, validation is what sparked my interest in creating art. I grew up in a big family where resources were scarce. Creating art is where I received the most validation, at home and within school. When I faced my first psychotic episode, around 14 years of age, my creative journey transmuted from external validation to internal validation. My art became a safe space for my scarier symptoms. My art alchemised into a healing tool. A tool I hope to teach others to use. I am now 27 and the magic of art has been my sanity.
2. What are your regrets?
I think my biggest regret was believing a degree in the arts would help me progress in my creative journey. I am incredibly grateful for university as it was a means for me to be able to move from the north, however, I truly believed university would allow me to excel in the art world when in reality it dampened my creative juices. I was told I would not achieve anything if I pursued painting in my third year at university, which I can confirm hurt and diminished any excitement I had within the art world. Not long after graduating, I began art intervention sessions with the elderly which sparked my excitement for painting again and I have not looked back since. I am very privileged to be able to receive a university education, however, you do not need a degree to pursue your creative dream. For this, you need resilience, patience and a good sense of humour.
3. What wisdom would you offer someone beginning their art career, or exploring art for the first time at any stage in life?
Patience is your best friend. Sometimes cultivating something meaningful takes time. There are seeds I planted years ago that benefit my art career, that have only just begun blossoming and some I am yet to see if they have worked out. If you're pushing for a creative career, be prepared to be in it for the long game.
Apply to open calls! Get out there and meet other creatives. You need to surround yourself with like-minded creatives. You also need to surround yourself with people who are where you want to be. Don't be scared to be the stupid one in the room, we all start somewhere and this is how you level up.
Expect rejection! The year I got my creative spark back for painting, I decided to dive deep into open calls. I applied for 22 open calls in just under a year. I was only accepted into 2 out of the 22. The rejections were rough, until I got to experience the magic of being accepted. I would happily be rejected by these experiences now as I am aware, what is meant to be won't pass you by and as cliché as it sounds, each application is great experience. The rejection isn't limited to open calls. You will receive it from friends, family, creatives, employers, complete strangers and that's ok!
My final bit of wisdom would be to let go of comparison and trust yourself. I am still figuring this one out myself but like I said it's all about patience, with yourself and your practice.
Discover the wonderful world of Acid Baby on Instagram.
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SLART, these Drei Fragen interviews are so important! There are parallels from the last one to this one, interesting, about patience and putting yourself out there. There are a LOT for me as a writers in both, and in your interview answers in general. I know from experience how right Acid Baby is and how honest.