Life & Work with Jamie Boling

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Boling.

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?
I am curious by nature. I’m also a very physical person in the way I approach my life and work. Any moment of the day you’ll likely find me either spellbound or in motion….or most likely both simultaneously. My story reflects these traits in that I developed a creative streak at an early age. There was (and still is) something magical about understanding how things go together and using that knowledge to turn ideas into something physical….something tangible. It seems there are riddles everywhere and endless problems to be solved and making things has been a way to find purpose and direct my passions. My story starts there.

Despite the persistence of my interests, my calling didn’t reveal itself in a straightforward way. I pursued my curiosity in a number of directions and I’ve spent a good part of my professional life engaged in 3 parallel careers: I am an artist, a master carpenter, and a professor of art. What I have found in these three things is not only deep satisfaction, but distinctly different ways of approaching ideas through thought, action, and communication.

The eventual convergence of these pursuits came in the way of understanding how those specific skill sets could all fit together. Finding that link was pivotal to discovering my current approach to making work, which is primarily client-based and site-specific. I create custom visual solutions aimed at elevating spaces and enhancing the lives of the customers I serve. This approach endlessly feeds my curiosity and allows me to explore an expansive way of solving problems.

Approaching projects with the mindset of both a maker and explorer provide insights that guide every aspect of my work and often determine the direction of both style and substance. I believe every creative problem presents unique visual solutions and I am an artist who embraces a wide range of approaches when telling a story.

After earning an MFA in painting from the University of Iowa, I spent a year as a research fellow at the Louvre in Paris, France. My mission was to study the monumental paintings of the 19th Century French masters. I returned from that experience with a passion for making large-scale works and a deep appreciation for the connection between people and place as well as the power of imagery to engage the mind and activate an environment. I have taught at some of the top university programs in the country and continue to show my studio work nationally and internationally. My many years living and working in Paris, Berlin, and New York have allowed me to collaborate on projects with world-class galleries, museums, designers, and filmmakers.

At the core of my practice is a commitment to collaborate and serve in ways that have a lasting impact and to elevate environments with work that stands the test of time.

Alright, 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 most challenging part about finding one’s way in the world as an artist is that there isn’t exactly a clear trajectory or road map. A lot of vocations follow a clear prescription for how to begin and how to advance and there’s a value our culture places on that. In the absence of that structure, I had to follow my gut and seek out opportunities that would lead to professional growth. That’s a struggle in itself because you are kind of flying blind at times with only your intuition to lead you. I had to create a framework that made sense for me and I was fortunate to find role models and mentors along the way.

Community is essential because there is so much support there when you find it. Any struggle that I came up against was because I was separated from my community. All of those struggles lead to evolution though and I think that’s how it’s supposed to work. With experience comes the wisdom to embrace those struggles when you find yourself in one. That’s where you find clarity and purpose.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In simplest terms, I specialize in creating custom artwork for a broad spectrum of clients. I make pieces ranging from small canvas paintings to large wall murals to sculptural objects and everything in between. Really, the sky’s the limit. The primary goal is to give spaces a soul by introducing elements that create intrigue and provide context.

Each project has its own story and asks for its own unique solution. What sets me apart from others is that I embrace a wide range of visual languages and techniques when creating these solutions for my clients. Since I am not anchored to a singular stylistic approach, I am able to explore and execute a wide range of possibilities.

The biggest point of pride for me comes when a project is completed and I get to observe people interacting with my work. Having the opportunity to set the stage for something that is experiential is endlessly rewarding.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
In my case, I believe it’s a combination of things. Beyond remaining curious, any success that I have enjoyed can be attributed to being persistent, reliable, and sincere. It’s a work ethic as well as a way of being.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jamieboling.com
• Instagram: @jamiedboling
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-boling-bb133071