Codie O’Connor is an abstract painter based out of Austin, Texas. When we saw her bright and beautiful paintings, we knew that she could create something perfect for our Bridal Suite. Codie worked with us on the color palatte, incorporating matcha & holly… the beautiful greens we use throughout the space. Art is something that drives us personally and we feel it’s integral in creating warm and inviting spaces. Check out our interview with Codie and learn more about her story and craft. Enjoy!
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you got into art?
My mom is also an artist, and as a kid I spent so much of my time on her studio floor creating whatever I felt like making that day. I was lucky enough to have access to a handful of mediums, but painting was always the one that challenged and resonated with me the most.
In college I earned a BFA in Arts Management, which was essentially studio and art history classes mixed with business classes- utilizing both sides of the brain. My end goal was to work in a gallery when I graduated so I could be surrounded by art every day, install exhibitions, and eventually dive into curating or provide a platform for my friends involved in the arts.
I worked for a while at a gallery I loved and eventually decided it was time to do the thing I had always planned on doing after graduating: go backpacking abroad. I spent several months backpacking through SouthEast Asia and living in a van in New Zealand before returning home to Austin. When I made it back to Austin, I started applying for gallery jobs, it was a slow process so in all my spare time I had built up a large collection of paintings. Somewhere along the line I was hired to paint a series for a small business, and suddenly commission orders started rolling in. Eventually I built my own series to release, began painting murals and was able to support myself through my work.
How do you approach starting a new piece?
My approach to starting a new piece really varies. Sometimes I just grab a canvas and start laying down paint until I feel like a piece is coming together- other times I am pulling from ideas I’ve had while out and about, those ideas are typically sketched out quickly in a notebook. I’ll use these sketches as references when I’m starting a new painting.
Where did you draw inspiration for these specific pieces / series?
I often look to topographical maps for inspiration. Nature has been and will always be the best artist around.
How does where you live, affect the outcome of your work?
I live and work out of a little bungalow in Austin, Texas. It’s a small space but it’s set up so my boyfriend and I are each able to have our own studios. There are lots of windows in our house and we are surrounded by tons of greenery, particularly pomegranate trees. The space can feel like a treehouse at times. Our door is never locked during the day so our friends are always welcome to drop by at any time (well, before Covid that is). This little house/studio feels really good to be in, and certainly puts me in the right mindset to create.
Do you listen to anything specific when you are working?
Nothing specific, however Neil Young is probably the most consistent artist I listen to!
What is something about this work that someone might not pick up on immediately?
It’s hard for me to say, however I do hope that it makes people feel grounded and relaxed.
Photo: Justin Rearden