Meet Paxton Maroney: Conceptual Artist & Creative Photographer

It was a huge leap of faith at the time. I had my own business for 7 years, working part time, and raising two boys. Then I took a sabbatical to build my art CV. I did that for 3 years, showing work all over the world, and later sadly got a divorce in November 2017. It was bad timing. I had no job. No income. Said a big prayer and decided to work for myself. Soon after I started getting work in exhibitions and then was placed with a gallery. On top of that I was starting a new genre of photography for client work… so I found a studio space to rent and started to build that up just by word of mouth. I was exactly where I wanted to be financially in year 4 and then Covid…. We all know the stories. It’s been scary to say the least but I have faith it will start up again. I’m still so passionate about photography and want to continue taking client work but I’ve decided to spread my wings again on the art end of my career and start painting again (going back to my roots). A completely new line of work is about to emerge and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m newly represented by Sharon Bridges and we already have a show set up for the new year. To be informed with upcoming dates, please follow my IG. Having your love of creating also be your career can be a little stressful but over the 14 years now that I’ve been a photographer… I can handle it. You have to be highly ambitious and tough to start your own business. Learning along the way is part of the process. As a female business owner and artist it’s not easy. Women supporting women is essential. So make sure you surround yourself with other strong women owned businesses. Having a great passion for what you do and eagerness to learn is a great recipe to starting your own business.

I am a Dallas based multidisciplinary artist with a focus on conceptual art. Though I am known for my surreal constructed photography works, I use a range of mediums to express my innermost feelings and thoughts. I introduced myself mainly as a painter in 2003 but soon after found my love of photography. I am now allowing myself to let all of my skills bleed into one another including photography, digital painting, watercolour, acrylics, gouache, mixed media, installation art, collage and design. As I continue to add to my repertoire, no matter the medium, the artwork is distinctly of my own accord. The imagination, tone and expression of the works comes from a place no one else can see into. For several years I’ve awoken from vivid dreams, often in the middle of the night, and drawn the images composed on the backs of my eyelids. Inspiration comes from life experiences and this is why I create. I am allowing you to view my world, on paper. For me, my dreams aren’t stories so much as they are symbolic images that tend to reveal a deeper meaning. I create art for myself and will always state “If someone else connects to them as well, that is the bonus. However that may be.” What sets me apart from others when it comes to hiring me, for example: portraits. You’re hiring an artist that is also a photographer. I can provide so much more in regards to post artwork, if needed. I do commissions as well. I tend to work with other creatives  which I absolutely love. I see the world through completely different lenses which also transitions into working with clients portraits. As I mentioned before I’ve been a photographer for 14 years now. Was that an easy road? Never easy but definitely an adventure. I’ve loved every minute of it. Constantly learning. Constantly creating. How did I overcome challenges? Ambition. That’s it. It will always be the driving force. If you are in the DFW area or even beyond, I do travel, I’d love to work with you. If you love art, please check out my galleries and inquire with any questions you may have about purchasing works. If you are a gallery that is interested in showing my new series in 2021… I’d love to chat with you:)

Goodness, if this weren’t during a pandemic this would be easier to answer. I can give a list of favorite places… but for trips I don’t do itineraries. We would just play it by ear:) DMA, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas World Aquarium, Modern Museum of Fort Worth, Bishop Arts District for lunch and shopping, Deep Ellum for Dinner and shopping (maybe Deep Sushi and stop by Kettle of course;). Other favorite places to eat would be Uchi in Dallas for the best sushi, Cafe Modern after looking at art all afternoon… the view is amazing there, Cane Rosso for the best pizza and Chef Point for the best lobster bisque. Do a local gallery night twice at least and find some local live music:) In Denton, Andy’s Bar & Grill and Paschall Bar upstairs;)

No specific shoutouts but big Thank You’s to all of the galleries that have supported me in the past. The support I receive now is from collectors of my artwork, which I’m am so incredibly grateful for, and recognition of my work as a skilled photographer when it comes to working with clients. I’m very passionate about working with others and making sure they receive exactly what they envisioned… or above and beyond that. Thank you to the collectors that made a connection, in their own way, to the artworks and gave them new homes. That alone brings me so much joy. My children push me to do better as well… keeping up being “the cool mom” is hard work;P