We had the good fortune of connecting with Abigail Tankersley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abigail, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think a super important factor behind what I personally see as success in my work is staying true to myself. I give my self the space to create what really want to, and I make sure to try every idea I have. I find that feeling successful artistically isn’t always about business, and it’s often more important to be proud of what you’ve created.

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.
Getting where I am today certainly wasn’t easy, but has been exciting and meaningful the entire way. I got my BFA in Fibers and set off with the goal of being an exhibiting artist in 2022, and remaining determined, hopeful, and excited about what I do is how I have made that work out for me. I am currently most proud of my most recent body of work “Even A Worm Will Turn,” as well as the new ideas that have sprung from the creation of the collection. Having the opportunity to create so much with out restraint in the Atelier program was an amazing outlet for ideas that had been swimming in my find for a while, which has now pushed me into exploring new ways of working.
My work is often centered around two contrasting personalities almost. I search for ways to create visuals that are cute, sweet, joyful, and childish but simultaneously introduce elements of ugliness, discomfort, confusion, and awkwardness. This idea is a reminder that both sides of the spectrum are crucial to our lives, and we can find beauty all that is “good and bad.”

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My latest body of work was a result of my time at the SCAD Alumni Atelier Program in Savannah, GA. The support from my fellow artists, mentors, and community is what made my “Even A Worm Will Turn” collection happen!

“This project was funded through Founder and President Paula Wallace’s endowment, Alumni Atelier for Alumni Development with the Savannah College of Art & Design.”

Website: abigailtankersley.com

Instagram: @abisnailtankersley

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