Today we’d like to introduce you to Addison Cota.
Hi Addison , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up I always loved and enjoyed being creative, and making art. I started taking art classes in middle and high school which really helped my skill and love grow. Then, I took, Basic Drawing, and I really excelled and loved creating art even more. I then went on to taking two semesters of Figure Drawing which I am so glad I did because it helped develop my skill to a whole new level, and I found a new way of drawing that was my passion. I have had my art in my college’s exhibits, as well as in the Grand Rapids Art Festival 2024. Also in 2024, my sister (Shaylin) and I decided to submit a collaborative work of art into ArtPrize and was shown in Grand Rapids City Hall. This work was dedicated to our home, current home, and our travels. My family and I have hosted over thirteen exchange students throughout the years which has helped us experience different parts of the world. This is what also has been apart of my journey because I have been able to see so much art in different context which fascinates me. I am also currently in college and am studying Art History with minors in Museum Studies, and Studio Art. We had so much fun collaborating on our first ArtPrize piece and creating a work that we were so proud of on a whole new scale. I learned a lot from this and we were even more excited for the next year. So, this year we submitted our work to ArtPrize for our second year and had our art up in an amazing venue, Clear Sky Eye Care. This project was dedicated to Grand Rapids which is a city that means a lot to us and a home. I have grown and continue to grow as in my artistic experience and creativity. My sister and I are from a small town on the lake and our community has done so much to support us, not only with the start of our artistic careers in middle and high school, but also now. Our local Art Gallery have graciously exhibited our artwork once in the past and again currently.
I am so thankful for all of my teachers and professor who have help guide me on my artistic journey thus far. Also to my sister, Shaylin, who has also pushed me to see my potential and helped me get my art out in the world. Today, I am continuing creating art and learning about the great history of art. I am so excited to work and grow!
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?
It has not always been a smooth road just like with anything in life. I also struggled in seeing my progress and celebrating that, even just getting myself out in the world as an artist. But, as I grow as an individual, I am more confident within myself and my abilities. I also am now enjoying the process because even though it is not a smooth road I can always learn something from it and take it with me for the future. But, I am thankful for my first drawing professor my freshman year who helped me see my potential and to not always be so hard on myself. I was always a perfectionist when it came to my art and certain things in life. But, it is important to realize and be okay with the things that are not always “perfect” because there is value in that. My sister, Shaylin, and family also has helped me grow in life and artistically. She is always optimistic and everyone supports me, they see the value in my talent and how hard I work. It is very important to surround yourself with people that want to see you succeed and will do anything to help you grow, and that is what my family has been for me. It will never be a smooth road, there will always be “fails” and “success” but each should be celebrated. I have grown in my frame of mind and how I see things. I will always continue to grow in this.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I enjoy many mediums of art like watercolor, pencil, charcoal, and even experimenting with new mediums. I would like to say I have a wide range of art that I produce and I am able to create anything I put my mind to. I specialize in pencil portraits of humans and animals, charcoal figure drawings, pencil home and landscapes, and watercolors of nature and animals. I am very versatile when it comes to creating works because I am willing to try and try again before getting a resolved work of art.
I am most proud of my charcoal figure drawings because of my journey and how I was able to progress so quickly. This has helped me in my other areas as well through understanding the different components of a figure and how to approach creating any type of work. I am also proud of my home and animals portraits because of how detailed I can get and I love looking at the final result.
What sets me apart from others is my skill and my drive. I will work endlessly for my artwork, I only put out work that dedicated my time towards and making sure it is something I am proud of. I love creating art that means a lot to my clients and people which is why I love making portraits, even of pets, and of homes.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I enjoy the app, Pinterest because it helps me go into a creative space and as inspiration. It also is a sort of disconnect and break from social media, yet it still allows me to scroll and see the things I want to see.
I really enjoy listening to the Moments Podcast to better help me reflect and feel understood.
I enjoyed reading, Four Thousand Weeks By Oliver Bookman. This book really helped me to reflect and change how I live my daily life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cotacreativemedia.com
- Instagram: cota.addison
