This week on The Sunday Sunshine, I am happy for you to meet artist Payton Cook. I was introduced to Payton’s artwork in the fall of 2019, during the reception for a juried exhibition. It was my first time having my artwork accepted into a juried exhibition, and Payton’s acrylic painting, Vantage Point, was awarded first place.

Payton Cook has been living in Southeast Michigan for the past five years. Originally from North Carolina, she received her BFA in Studio Art with a concentration in Painting from the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2015. Payton is a teaching artist in the Ann Arbor area, and enjoys teaching various painting and drawing classes to share her passion for art making.

I started following Payton on Instagram and quickly developed an appreciation for her style, which was mostly new to me. In her art, Payton examines the concept of liminality, a transitional moment in one's life. Imagine liminality as a threshold of being not quite where you were, but not yet where you are headed.

She explores these spaces by painting vast expanses, reminiscent landscapes that are inviting and intriguing, yet somehow inaccessible. These works of art emphasize places and moments that are commonly overlooked, providing the viewer with a chance to experience the human emotions that come from these liminal space moments, and to observe and reflect on their own life-changing transitions, those vital times in which we were neither here nor there.

Can you tell us more about how the concept of liminality has inspired you?

To be in a liminal space is to be in an in-between moment in time.  We often overlook these liminal spaces until later reflection reveals the change and growth that occurred during that transitory period of our lives. 

I find myself seeing colors, brushstrokes, and textures as I hear people describe the uncertainty, fear, and/or hope they are experiencing as they go through a transition such as a big move, career change, pregnancy, etc.

Does marketing or creating for an audience impact your creative process?

Unfortunately, yes. There are times where I'll have an idea that seems too radical for the average buyer. Sometimes, I'll still pursue the idea as more of a personal piece with no intent to sell. At the same time, I always think about the viewer when considering an idea for a painting, as my art is largely about presenting the viewer with a specific space and feeling. 

Did you ever feel you needed permission to be an artist?

No, I feel very fortunate to have grown up in a home that was very accepting of my desire to pursue my art. Especially now, my husband is very encouraging and supportive.

Was there original art in your home growing up?

Yes, my grandfather was an artist so we had several of his paintings on the walls. My mom is also an artist and loves to support the arts; in addition to my grandfather's art, there was also quite a bit of pottery in our house along with various other artwork. 

Tell us about becoming an artist and deciding to sell your art.

I've been passionate about art ever since I can remember but I graduated with my BFA in Studio Art in 2015 and have been pursuing my career as an artist ever since. Naturally, if I want to pay my bills, I have to sell my art. 

It does, however, take time. So, in addition to selling my art, I'm also a teaching artist and I instruct various community art classes and private lessons. This past year, because of the pandemic, I wasn't able to teach as many classes so it really gave me the opportunity to lean more into my own art making. 

Do you set goals? Many small goals, one large goal, both?

Absolutely. I have a combination of small and large goals. I'm a "goal getter" so once I meet one goal, I'm making another and working my way toward that. I also recognize that sometimes plans can change, and therefore, goals can too.

How would you explain how you value your own artwork?

It's a personal process, it's a part of me.

Since your artwork is personal, are you ever afraid to share your art?

Every once in a while the fear will sneak up on me, especially if I'm working on a new series and I'm not sure what others will think of it.

Do you ever experience liminality in your painting process? That time between conceptualizing the artwork and seeing it take shape on the canvas?

Absolutely. Painting is a process and there is so much that evolves from start to finish. Between the unexpected challenges and the happy accidents, there is a lot of uncertainty and anticipation during my process. 

Also, life happens in between that initial sketch and the final brushstroke. Whatever is going on in my personal life or even just in the world often affects the color palette I choose or the marks I make. 

I typically do let a painting that is nearing completion sit untouched for a while and give myself that time and space to really see it take on a life of its own, for something greater to emerge, and it's at that point I usually know what that final brushstroke will be.

Payton is hosting a giveaway (ended on 3/2/21) on her instagram account, @paytoncookart, to celebrate reaching 1000 followers! Congratulations, Payton!  She also has a sale running on her website, www.paytoncookart.com for 20% off all works on paper. These are very limited time events, so hurry over and see what she has available. 

My recent growth as an artist has been overwhelmingly supported by other artists, and I believe in supporting the arts community. Payton is the one who pulled me into my current volunteer position with Huron River Art Collective. She is currently the Education Chair and is responsible for the graphics during the transition from Ann Arbor Women Artists. Payton adds value to the organization and our community! 

I hope that you’ve enjoyed learning about Payton’s art, and that you’ll continue to join me as I host more artists on The Sunday Sunshine series in the Artist's Journal.

Tia Sunshine

If we haven’t met, you can read more about me in my journal HERE and HERE, or visit my Welcome/About with the button below.

This series is inspired by the Artists Sunday campaign that started last year. While I am not a huge fan of specific shopping days, I am a fan of encouraging individuals to buy from artists. This series is my way of participating in the spirit of the movement. www.artistssunday.com

Artists Sunday is "a nationwide art-shopping movement with more than 4,300 members. Participants include 500+ local communities, including arts agencies, cities, counties, state agencies, chambers of commerce, and organizations and 3,800+ individual artists." Their mission is "to encourage consumers to shop with their favorite local artists and craftsmen during the holiday season. Artists Sunday takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Think of it like Black Friday or Small Business Saturday but for the arts. New members are joining daily."

Upcoming features in The Sunday Sunshine include my friend from high school, Hannah Stevenson of Lilly & Thistle!

Share your thoughts about liminality and abstract artwork in the comments.