Meet April Midkiff

Today we’d like to introduce you to April Midkiff.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am a third generation Arizonan and I could not image a life elsewhere. My love for Arizona and all of its diverse natural beauty runs deep. I was raised in the far West Phoenix Valley near the White Tank Mountains. The homes in the community where I grew up have enough land to raise animals and are surrounded by crop fields. The air is quiet out there; except for the occasional sound of fighter jets from nearby Luke Air Force Base. I am lucky enough to have made my way back to this place and I currently have my studio near where I grew-up.

I met my husband in High school where we both fell in love with music and each other. We moved to Tempe, AZ to attend college at Arizona State University together. After I graduated college with a BFA in Painting life just kept moving along and soon I was married and employed by Phoenix Art Group. I was hired on as a Production Artist where I painted under the studio name Leila. I then spent the next 12 years learning and growing as an artist. Working alongside so many talented, loving, colorful and driven people at Phoenix Art Group helped me become the artist I am today.

During the years I worked for Phoenix Art Group my husband and I welcomed two beautiful boys into the world. I never knew my heart could be so full until they came into my life. My children remind me everyday to find happiness in the little moments but to also focus on bettering my life (and theirs) with perseverance and positivity.
With the recent retirement of the owners of Phoenix Art Group and new chapter has begun in my life. In early 2018 I began my own company, Studio ACM where I showcase the art I continue to create under my previous studio name Leila and my own name April Midkiff. I am currently enjoying the freedom and flexibility that owning my own business gives. I am now more motivated than ever to work hard for what I love.

Please tell us about your art.
Of all the hats I wear (mother, wife, daughter, sister, etc.) artist feels like the one I feel I know the least about. Most of the roles we play in life seem to have some sort of perimeters but artist can be so transient. How should I behave as an artist? What do I make? What should I do with it? How do I talk about my art? The best answer I have to these questions is to just try what feels right.

When I am in the studio it is a place for me to just let go and attempt to turn off all the chatter in my mind. I enjoy experimenting constantly and always trying to do things a bit better than the last time. I find myself thinking, “What if I do this instead?”

As a result of this curious mindset, I usually end up with a piece of art in front of me that was not my intention when I began. And, to be completely honest, quite often I am met with an unpleasing piece of art! Luckily this is where the fun and excitement happens. I learn immensely from my missteps. Taking the information of what didn’t work, I adjust, evolve and move on to my next (hopefully successful) work of art. As with life, I feel that art has so many nuanced lessons to teach us and that the only way to move forward is to pay attention and keep trying.

What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
It seems to me that there is a case for both the artists’ life being easier and harder at the same time. Maybe it’s just changing but not necessarily for the better or worse?

For example, the internet and social media allow for an artist to reach a much larger audience than ever before. It also allows them to have complete control over their image and message…not needing to be accepted to juried exhibitions or galleries, artist can now get their art out there with minimal limitations. But, with that comes a down side. The saturation of the digital media with art makes it more difficult for a potential client to find you and, in some cases, makes it hard to distinguish between reputable people/companies and those that may not have their act together.

Another example I might mention is in the immediacy of which goods are now expected. I for one LOVE that I can submit an order at night and the next day a box is delivered to my door step. : ) It great for that container of laundry detergent I ordered but not so great for art. I feel like this expedited mentality has seeped into every part of our lives. Often, I struggle with a self-imposed feeling of “not painting fast enough” in my own head. Luckily to counter this, I see a strong local movement here in Phoenix and other cities. The revitalization of urban cities has brought back this feeling of belonging and having history. It has also put a focus back on craftsmanship, process and authenticity which is wonderful for anyone crafting goods by hand.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have just recently started my company and I am building my network everyday. The best place to see my portfolio of art is my website. In addition to checking my website, following my Instagram account will give people the most up-to-date information on my art. Currently, most of my art is sold in the wholesale arena and I have a few wonderful representatives that are distributing my art. I am also working with Merritt Gallery and Renaissance Fine Arts www.merrittgallery.com and publishing with Image Craft www.viapagi.phxartgroup.com . I would be more than happy to answer any questions about purchasing my art via email.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.studio-acm.com
• Email: studio-acm@cox.net
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/studio_acm/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/studioACMart/

Image Credit:
Studio ACM, LLC

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