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

Hi Vikki, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have been a business owner for more than 30 years. I lived in town that did not offer many employment opportunities, so I made my own! After receiving my Masters of Science in Biology. I started up and ran an ecological consulting firm for 26 years. During that time I became a wife and mother and had many pots in the oven. As stress release, I began a creative journey reconnecting my artistic skills. I began some beginning painting classes 25 years ago and got hooked! I began selling paintings and just like that a second business was born! I have since retired from my consulting gig, but I am enjoying building my business as an artist, while keeping quality of life as my focus!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am inspired to create creatures of the natural world. I have a particular obsession with painting birds, but with a twist. There are so many artists out there that do phenomenal jobs or photo real pieces of birds, but I wanted to paint them in a way that stands out from the rest. I describe my paintings as stylized wildlife art. As a trained biologist I want to provide an honest representation of the animal I am painting, including important details on field identification marks, but perform it in a stylized manner. I hope to express the beauty of the animal while turning your head with this fresh style. I often add stylized orbs to my pieces. People often ask if they have important symbolism. Honestly, I just love a bit of bling!

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.
I live in two of the most beautiful places: Bellingham, WA and Ajo, AZ. In both places, I would say get outside in the natural world. In the Bellingham area that would take up to the Mountains such as Mount Baker where subalpine meadows, towering trees and rushing rivers will not disappoint. In Ajo, AZ I live essentially in the middle of desert wilderness. Walk out my back door and you are in heaven! Organpipe National Monument is very close to where I live and it is the perfect destination for desert exploration. But, grab a coffee in town at Oasis Coffee or Curly Coffee before you go!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The artistic journey builds on so many layers of people that have helped along the way. A particularly important person was my first artistic instructor, Trish Harding, gave me the toolbox and confidence to thrive. I would not be where I am today without her.

I also want to shout out my appreciation for a recent opportunity to show my work in my winter home of Ajo, AZ. Hop David, co-co-owner of the Copper News Book Shop in Ajo, AZ set me up with a solo show in his wonderful, but hidden gallery. It was a huge success. Hop is very generous, but also an amazing artist! Many of Ajo’s beautiful murals are due to him.

Website: www.vikkijacksonartist.blogspot.com

Instagram: @Salnoranstudios and @salamandershisper

Image Credits
Vikki Jackson

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