Interview with Jan Riggins
Pictures courtesy of Jan Riggins

3D chalk artist Jan Riggins discusses how she was launched to the medium, the distinctive challenges it poses, and why it has been particular to collaborate on it along with her teenage daughter.

What led you to chalk artwork?
In highschool and school, I used to be a clarinetist. A giant a part of recitals is creating posters, which I liked to do. I ultimately realized that I loved artwork extra however nonetheless earned my music diploma. After graduating, I obtained a job at a staffing service, the place I’ve been working for twenty-five years.

My mother had all the time painted with watercolors, which I dabbled in rising up. However I actually grew all in favour of them after I was given my grandmother’s artwork provides; it was like getting a complete retailer. A short while later, I entered the beginner division of an area chalk-art competition in Fort Value. I received honorable point out, and I used to be hooked. The subsequent 12 months, after I received first place and other people’s selection, they requested me to return as knowledgeable. I used to be shocked that I might receives a commission for it.

In 2020, I used to be planning on doing six festivals all through the nation, however COVID shut every thing down. As a substitute, I continued drawing on my driveway and sidewalk. My daughter, Olivia, thought it seemed like enjoyable and requested if we might do one collectively; our first was a butterfly, which I posted in our Fb Neighborhoods group. Many individuals there liked it and began requesting their very own art work. An area information station then did a chunk on us, and earlier than we knew it, we have been being featured in locations like Buzzfeed and on the Kelly Clarkson Present.

How did 3D artwork come into the image?
These information sources touted us as a mother-and-daughter duo doing wonderful 3D chalk artwork—however the factor was, I knew it wasn’t truly three-dimensional. I began feeling the stress to determine that kind of chalk artwork, so I labored at it till I did. It snowballed from there: I used to be being commissioned by firms and festivals and even began doing artwork internationally.

Residing in Texas, how does the warmth have an effect on you and the supplies you’re utilizing?
Frankly, I normally don’t do a lot art work right here in any respect throughout summer season as a result of it will get means too scorching—by afternoon, I can’t contact something and even stand on blacktop and paint dries as quickly as I put it down. I usually like determining methods to make such challenges work, although.

Does Olivia nonetheless work with you at present? Does she need to observe in your footsteps?
We created a ton of artwork throughout COVID, which performed an enormous half in serving to us get by the pandemic. Being in highschool now, Olivia has a really busy life, so we simply collaborate for occasions that she has loved prior to now, comparable to a competition in Kansas Metropolis and one in Florida. It’s superior that she nonetheless enjoys creating with me, though it’s few and much between these days. She has talked about this being a terrific factor to do proper out of highschool for a bit bit, however she has additionally been very adamant that that is my exercise, not hers.

How do individuals react to your artwork?
It’s normally an “aha” response. When individuals first stroll as much as the artwork, it seems to be unusual as a result of it’s distorted. I inform them it’s 3D and that in the event that they take a look at it by their digital camera, they’ll see what the picture actually seems to be like. I all the time cease and watch the second it clicks for them, which by no means will get previous. It’s additionally a wonderful technique to know if my 3D rendering works: I’m receiving fast suggestions that I wouldn’t get from portray one thing that’s destined for a gallery. I’ll usually hear mother and father say to their youngsters, “If you happen to hold practising, you are able to do this too.” It’s true, and I like that I’m encouraging artwork and endurance. I additionally like engaged on my craft in entrance of individuals, very like I did with music.

Do you intend to do that full-time?
Sure. In 2023, I mentioned this with my boss, who let me proceed working from dwelling part-time three days every week so I’d nonetheless have a wage. I like this association, particularly as I plan the enterprise a part of my artwork profession, however I don’t suppose it’s going to final an excessive amount of longer. I’m nearer to fifty than forty, and I really feel like my window’s closing—how for much longer will my physique permit me to do the sort of artwork? Additionally, I simply can’t match every thing into my schedule; I’ve too many initiatives that require a complete week off. It’s a good downside to have, although. I really like my boss and firm, however I believe I’ll love being a full-time artist much more. I really feel just like the luckiest individual on the planet.

For more information, go to janrigginsart.com