Meet Bailey McVicker | Artist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Bailey, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, I always loved to create in any way that I could. Whether that be through drawing, coloring, painting, dancing, or building things, I always found the most joy when I was creating. As I went through school that passion always stayed with me, and it became my biggest goal to one day become a full time artist. Like many other creatives in this world I was told by peers that it was not a smart path, and that I should keep the art as a hobby or to “have a backup plan”. I reluctantly listened to these people at first, and decided to give college a try. I explored many different avenues and career paths while I was there but each path ended up in failure. Every time I failed I was reminded of my dream, and each time brought me one step closer to finally realizing that being an artist is what I am truly meant to do. In March of 2022, I decided that I was tired of failing and was ready to take the leap of faith and truly follow my passion. Since then I have created more art than ever, I have learned so much about myself, and put in the work to turn my dreams into a reality. While it has all happened so fast, I wake up each day filled with love and gratitude that I get to call myself an artist!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art, like many other artists, is a channel for my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I get all of my inspiration from the experience of being human, and our connectedness to the earth and to each other. We are all connected as one and while some things are much harder to talk about than others, we all experience similar emotions and events during our time here. I like to use my art to connect with people on an emotional and spiritual level. Sometimes these are very positive emotions, such as happy memories with a sibling, starting a new business, or falling in love. Other times, these emotions can be negative, like changes in laws/politics, failure, mental health struggles, and being heartbroken. These are the moments in my life where I feel inspired to create, share, and let people know that they are not alone. I tell these stories in a couple of different ways. Sometimes it is in what I paint, other times it is in what I tell people about the piece. But my favorite way to tell these stores is to do so by surrendering my spirit to the process of creation. I allow my emotions and spirit to take over my body and I simply become a channel for the energy to escape through; whatever story is meant to be told is the story that then appears on the canvas. The process has been beyond healing for me, and I hope that when I make these creations it will allow others to heal as well.

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 the amazing town of Lake Havasu City, Arizona! The thing that I love most about living here is that no matter the seaon or weather, there is always something fun to do. I am a coffee addict, so I would start my day by going to Wild Coffee and getting a latte- hot or iced depending on the weather. I would then spend some time outside either at the lake or on a hike! We have some great community parks and beaches and hiking trails here, and I like to be outside any chance that I get.
A great place for breakfast and lunch is the Red Onion, a cafe on main street here in town! They have great food and drinks and a nice patio.
And like the artist I am I would spend my afternoon painting or hanging out at VisionaryLHC, which is the gallery/studio that I am currently working from! There is an abundance of beautiful artwork, and even a wonderfully healing crystal shop inside!
At dinner time, I would head to The Chair, a restaurant located right next to the London Bridge! They have great food and the atmosphere is amazing too!
In the summertime, the best thing to do is spend the day at the lake! I like to go paddle boarding, ride jetskis, and go boating.
In the winter, I love to ride my longboard, go on hikes, and go camping! There are also lots of fun events in town such as the Hot air balloon festival that takes place every January!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people in my life that I am so grateful for, and each of them have supported me in their own way. Whether it be a friend, coworker, boss, mentor, or family member, they have all been a big part of this journey. But I would have to give the biggest recognition to my mom and dad. No matter how crazy my dreams have been, they have always been the oens to tell me there is nothing I can’t do. From crazy school schedules growing up, working over time hours at work, and now dropping out of college to start to start a business at 21 years old, they have always been there to cheer me on and keep me on the right track. Their love for me and our family is what has made all of this possible. I love them with all my heart and I know that I will continue to make them proud.

Instagram: @artbybaileymcvicker

Twitter: @artbybaileymcv

Facebook: Art By Bailey McVicker

Image Credits
Photographs courtesy of Brooke Bahde LLC