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

Hi Erin, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Finding balance between work and personal life is something I’ve come to focus on in recent years. When first building my career, the uncertainty that comes along with figuring out how to reach goals was the driving force behind much of my decision making and work took precedence, sometimes at the expense of other healthy activities, like exercise. There was a point about six years ago when I started riding my bike again and ever since, it’s been a priority. I also started learning to play the violin! I make a point to unplug from work and enjoy my personal time. While art/work is very intertwined with my life, arriving to a place where I can create space for personal interests is something I am grateful for every day. It’s been hard work to get here and now it feels like a healthy balance. I think I am more effective at work because of it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I teach art full time at the University of North Georgia, mainly painting and 2D Design & Color Theory courses.

In my studio, I make process-driven and colorful abstract paintings in water-based media. I also spend time delving into more representational subjects, most recently, landscapes.

I’ve been painting professionally for 20 years. Building a career as an artist has required patience and diligent work despite periods of uncertainty and doubt. One of the biggest challenges has been placing faith that choosing this path would lead to a viable career. Along the way I’ve learned to be more adaptable, flexible, resilient, open, and receptive to the unexpected. Art provides all of these transferable lessons.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First I would venture outside of Atlanta and take them to Athens – it was home for many years and is a vibrant small city with great food, art, and music options. Within the Atlanta, Candler Park and Poncey-Highland are fun neighborhoods to explore. The High Museum is always wonderful to visit. Further north of the city, there are beautiful places to be outdoors around Lake Lanier, and around the North Georgia Mountains. Put me in a neighborhood with historic homes and lots of character or in a beautiful rural landscape or state/national park and I’m in a happy place.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents have been endlessly encouraging. I am incredibly grateful for their constant love and support. I feel lucky to have studied with knowledgeable and supportive faculty while in art school and am grateful for my wonderful colleagues at UNG. Lastly, I am thankful for the friends I’ve made riding my bike. Such a warm, welcoming, and encouraging community. Riding in various cycling groups have been opportunities to learn and grow and to push my self-imposed limits of what’s possible. This personal growth has a positive spill over effect on my professional life; there are so many parallels between riding a bike and working as an artist.

Website: www.erinmcintosh.com

Instagram: @erinlmcintosh

Galleries:

Image Credits
Erica Carrillo Erin McIntosh

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