Between the Boxwood
Small Business Spotlight: April Atchley
Small Business Spotlight: April Atchley
"Abstract artist, April Atchley, grew up in North Carolina. She earned a degree in Interior Architecture and a minor in Fine Art from Samford University.
After practicing interior design for a few years, April made the leap into full time art. Her background in interior design seamlessly blends art with textiles, offering a blend of well curated art and textiles for the home.
April’s husband and toddler are her favorite supporters. They inspire her to create bright, cheery paintings that match their enthusiasm for life."
Q: When did you develop a love for painting?
AA: I’ve had a creative bent for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until reaching college that my passion for art was really sparked. Up until college, art had always been a hobby I enjoyed doing here and there. As I took more and more fine art classes in college, I began to see my passion for painting and understand how art could become a career that I love.
Q: What materials do you use in your work? Paints, canvas, paper, etc?
AA: I use acrylic paints, some pencils, on either canvas or canvas paper
Q: From where do you draw your inspiration?
AA: I find it’s the simple things that can be the most inspiring- the shapes, colors, and objects that we experience all around us everyday. Sometime’s it’s taking the time to stop and notice these simple things that recharges my creative spirit.
Q: Playing with colors and textures excites us when designing jewelry. What excites you when painting?
AA: I love sitting down to paint and knowing there are no right or wrong ways when it comes to creating. It's a beautiful journey that sometimes leads to a masterpiece and sometimes leads to the trash can. But there is always something gleaned along the way. I’ve found that creating isn’t a dead end path, but has lead me to goals and a career that I am incredibly thankful for.
Q: What can we look forward to seeing from your brand in the near future?
AA: Summertime always awakens a new energy in me to paint flowers, so I’m sure there will be more floral paintings coming. I’ve also set a summer goal to study shadows in still life settings. So I’m sure that will lead to a new collection down the road!