Today we’d like to introduce you to Greta Coalier.
Hi Greta, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t making art. It didn’t seem to be a choice, just a part of me that was always there. In high school, I set my sights on the School of The Art Institute of Chicago and after two years at Meramec Community College, I was able to earn enough grants, scholarships and student loan financial help to transfer there to earn my BFA.
I returned to St. Louis and taught art at Roe Elementary school for a few years and then continued on to jobs where I could focus more on art-making. My husband and I had four kids in quick succession and I was able to focus on textiles in a very limited manner during nap time and late nights. When our youngest was able to be a little more independent and in preschool, I began painting and worked from a studio in my living room for the next six years. About a year and a half ago, I was able to move into a studio in The Patch neighborhood and it’s been a huge blessing. It’s taken trading with friends, trial and error and many late nights to learn how to run a website (so much googling) and be a small business owner. Through it all when it seems impossible, my motto has been, just keep painting.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
So the answer is so many! I think art-making is just constant problem solving and inner reflection. There are times I want my brain to turn off. I’m incredibly sensitive and empathetic. I can’t watch the news. I cry all the time! It’s terrifying to put new work out and separate myself from what I make. I’m working on it and it’s getting better. On a recent trip to LA, I met some incredible creatives and a common theme is feeling like your own work is never good enough. No matter how many hours I put into a painting there is a line between completed and not yet “enough” that is difficult to find.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
From the very beginning, I have painted flowers. I love the challenges and memories they evoke. They feel like home and allow me to work with color and pattern in new and interesting ways. I am absolutely inspired by textiles of all kinds. I am studying chintz fabrics made in the 1800’s at the moment and the process is fascinating. I’ve been told you can tell a Greta Coalier painting at first sight and that my work brings joy. I can’t think of more wonderful compliments.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
In the last couple of years, I have been working on expanding my art to home decor and accessories. It’s been a way to grow my business and keep my work at affordable price points. I love taking little detours with the direction of my work such as total abstraction and most recently adding animals to keep challenging myself. I’m not ever going to be the kind of artist that repeats the same painting over and over again.
Pricing:
- Paintings from $300-2200 depending on size
- Prints from $25
- Pillows from $58
- Throws $85, Silk scarves from $80
- Original carryalls from $195 (limited editions)
Contact Info:
- Email: gcoalier@gmail.com
- Website: www.gretacoalier.com
- Instagram: @gretacoalier
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gretacoalierartworks
