Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Wolfe.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In my 20s, like most of us, I spent time having fun and trying to find myself. I ran my first and last marathon, took voice lessons, dabbled in rock climbing, and traveled everywhere my humble teaching salary could take me. I even took a mosaics class, where I started a project the instructor warned me would be too difficult. I loved playing with the small, colored glass tiles and seeing the shapes and designs that manifested before me. After the course, I swore I would continue to work on the unfinished project, but like so many youthful endeavors, it was forgotten and relegated to a box in the closet.
Fast forward ten years later to the COVID era. I found myself teetering on the brink of anxiety after a failed marriage, the loss of family, and a slew of emotional and mental issues. My forgotten project, coupled with counseling and a good support system, helped me work through the pain.
For a variety of reasons, life has never been the same. In His infinite wisdom, God knew my experience with mosaics and art wasn’t over. Creating pieces has been a bright spot in an otherwise dark journey.
I officially started my art business in March of 2022. It has been an interesting endeavor, for sure! I sell my pieces online and just launched a new line of merchandise. I can’t wait to see what the future will bring.
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?
As a now single mom with a full-time job, my art business isn’t always the priority. Since I’m the marketer, photographer, content producer, editor, accountant, and CEO, there’s been a steep learning curve. My experience is in education, so finding what works and what doesn’t in all aspects of the business is difficult when that’s not your background.
In addition to learning all the functions of a business, finding time has been a big struggle. Creating great art takes hours, and it’s sometimes impossible to squeeze that into a busy day.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a little bit of artistic ADHD. I do a lot of different projects.
I wrote two children’s books–The Story of Mrs. Inez and Little Eddy Wants a Hamster. I started my business doing mosaics, but I have branched out to found-object art, drawing, and painting. I’m also working on a YA novel.
The purpose of my business isn’t just to sell my art. I’m still a teacher at heart. I want to motivate others to see the beauty in the ordinary and bring out their desire to create. I want others to come to my site and social media and be inspired.
I also interview other artists and highlight their work. Some of my interviewees have been on TV with a ton of followers, and some are just starting out. I really want people to understand that art is within reach of everyone–even if all you have is a pencil and some paper.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I speak Spanish fluently thanks to my semester abroad in Spain, and I have a working knowledge of Portuguese and German. I’m currently learning French. I love to learn new things! (Although my followers probably know that already.)
Contact Info:
- Website: hotkeyart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotkeyart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotkeyart
Image Credits
Amber Waldron
Jennifer Pisarcik
