From Emerging Artist to Solo Show: Gwen Hollingsworth’s Blueprint

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, abstract painter Gwen Hollingsworth is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.

She shares how she blends spirituality and structure in her creative practice. Drawing from influences like Buddhism and Jungian thought, Gwen reflects on building a professional art career while staying true to her inner world. She shares insights from her solo show in New York, her experience at the Silver Art residency, and how business tools like a clear studio space, an elevator pitch, and consistent follow-up have helped her grow with purpose.

“Rejection is protection. If something doesn’t work out, it’s often for a reason - and that opens the door for something better.”

– Gwen Hollingsworth

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Gwen's Artistic Philosophy

01:11 The Importance of Studio Space

02:16 Description of the Artwork Incantation

03:23 Spirituality and Artistic Practice

04:41 Residencies and Experimentation

06:20 Building Connections in the Art World

09:01 The Role of Social Media in an Artist's Career

13:35 The Value of Peer Support and Community

20:24 Applying for Residencies and Facing Rejection

25:13 Financial Realities and Advice for Emerging Artists

Links to artworks discussed

1. Incantation, Heartlines, and Siren can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.
2. For high resolution versions of the artworks mentioned, access the members-only full unabridged conversation here.

Resources

• Silver Art Projects: https://www.silverart.org/
• Artsy: https://www.artsy.net/
• New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA): https://www.nyfa.org/

Connect with Gwen:

• Website: https://www.gwenhollingsworth.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwenhollingsworth/

Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:

• Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letter
• Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator

Free training and resources:

• Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following here.
• Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.