Today we’d like to introduce you to Mollie Chounard.
Hi Mollie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I guess you could say I’ve always been an artist, that doesn’t mean it’s what I would’ve chosen for myself but it simply is. Even try as I might’ve to deny it. In school I took as many college prep classes as I could to study Science or Math because I loved them, but also because I thought that was how to be successful. Fast forward a few years and I ended up with a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration from Memphis College of Art. Yep, art school (after a couple years at community college), and yet I never worked a day in graphic design or illustration, though I use the skills constantly.
You see they weren’t my passion either, they were what I settled on because I thought if I wanted to be an artist that I needed to be successful. Fast forward again to 15’ish years later just after I was laid off from a job working as an office administrator. Something I was good at, but not passionate about. This time I was ready to ‘be an artist’.
That may sound strange, but after all those years I was finally ready to take the next step. I’m not sure if it’s just that life had prepared me or that the opportunity was staring me in the face, but the door opened and I was determined to push it wide open and leap through! That’s exactly what I did, I started working part time as an art instructor while I researched and planned my next move. Then in 2016 I did my first art fair and that allowed me to achieve my goal of being a full time artist.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m my own worst obstacle; with my preconceived notions and fear of failure.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m known for whimsical and colorful paintings that are more than meets the eye. My modern twist on Fantasy and Surrealism shows my love for creating art that has something to say. I think of myself as much a storyteller as artist.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
St. Louis has a rich history and delicious food! The downside is that it’s spread out and has a billion municipalities that make it confusing.
Contact Info:
- Email: mollie@molliechounard.com
- Website: www.molliechounard.com
- Instagram: @molliechounard
- Facebook: @molliechounardfineart
- Twitter: @molliechounard
