Meet Trailblazer Janet Austin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Austin.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Janet. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born when my mother was 22, she had 5 kids by the time she was 32, so I was the oldest child, bossy, cocky, confident and self-reliant. No, wait, actually I was a shy child, but at some point, I did a 180. I left home at 18 for college and Italy and grew up.

Now, I make streets and public spaces beautiful I’m an artist, a sculptor who loves metal, mosaics, glass, wood. I started with baby steps and poco a poco my big projects have become a reality. I’ve moved from showing work in galleries to placing art out in public which gives me a responsibility to share a meaningful message.

I believe part of what makes us human is we have an unmistakable creative energy about us. My creative energy is fueled by hard work, hustle, passion and dedication, the synthesis of the oldest child.

Great, 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?
The struggle is part of the journey. Don’t be afraid to begin; take small steps and you’ll find you’re on the road to accomplishing something to be proud of. Dream big and try for something that is challenging. With every obstacle you overcome you become stronger, more knowledgeable and more confident.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Janet Austin Art – what should we know?
I love creating large outdoor sculptures that project my theme: The importance of man and nature interacting and living together. I’m a champion of the natural world, a peace-loving proponent of all living things.

My sculptures represent moths, beetles, wasps, mosquitoes, herons and other birds, and deer. My style is unique, a blend of reality, artistic expressiveness, and FUN! I like reaching audiences of all ages and all levels of cultural sophistication.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Be fearless, be confident, be curious and keep fit. You are worth it! You need it! You deserve it!

My sister has some good advice too, she says – exchanges the phrase “I have to…” for “I get to…” Think about the difference between: “I have to wake up and go to the pool to swim” vs. “I get to wake up and go to the pool to swim.” We are all lucky to have so many opportunities and so much life to live.

Pricing:

• Sculptures start at $20,000

Contact Info:

• Website: www.janetaustinart.com
• Instagram: @janetaustinart
• Facebook: Janet Austin Art

Image Credit:
Jyoti Srivastava, Bill Burlingham

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