We had the good fortune of connecting with Audie Pope and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Audie, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Fort Worth, Texas. Been raised here all my life but have always been encouraged while growing up to look beyond my backyard and into the larger world and the cultures that bind it together. This idea of expanding my horizons and remaining openminded has molded me into the person I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I most excited about my mural art right now. I’ve had a few more opportunities recently to explore the practice and I’ve really enjoyed the challenge. In highschool I never realized I could make a career out of art. But then choosing colleges came soon enough and I had to make a decision. As I’ve always loved art, I decided to try it. I started out in Graphic design but switched later to painting because it felt more immersive than sitting at a computer. Becoming a freelancer was never something I thought of doing, and honestly, it’s still not something I think I want to do full time. But art to me is freedom, and right now, freelance art gives me that. I’ve tried so many career options it might make your head spin, but at the end of the day I will still seek happiness. The one thing I would love for the world to get out of my art is that it simply makes them happy. Every time I’ve finished a mural, the main thing I look forward to at the end of all that hard work is the smile on their faces and the shining excitement in their eyes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am not the best at itineraries but I can make lists! Day 1-Fort Worth Zoo Day 2-Fort Worth Water Gardens Day 3-Fort Worth Stockyards Day 4-Dallas Aquarium Day 5 -Fort Worth Botanical Gardens Day 6-Trinity Trails Day 7-Rent a kayak on the Trinity river

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person that deserves recognition is my mom. She has seen me at my worst and known me at my best. She has encouraged me at every step to pursue my passions even when they were constantly shifting or when doubt plagued my mind.

Instagram: @audie.anne.art

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