Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosemary Allen.
Hi Rosemary, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town called Black Creek, WI. I have always been creative and since kindergarten, I knew I wanted to be an artist. My mom is an artist and taught me how to draw and paint at a young age. In my teenage years, I moved to Navasota, Texas where I graduated high school. I (unhappily) attended community college for a year before I discovered massage school. Being a highly creative person often comes with some level of mental illness and I greatly suffered from anxiety in my teenage years. Becoming a massage therapist taught me how to relax and care for my body naturally while also caring for others and helping them.
I spent my days as a bodyworker and my evening’s painting. The deeper I went into my healing journey, the more meaning my artwork had to me. It wasn’t until 2016, after having a near-death experience, that animals became my primary subject matter. There were many pivotal moments on my path as an artist but I vividly recall when I first started finding feathers of different birds wherever I went; it was as if the birds were communicating with me and I was finally listening. In 2017, I met my now-husband Juan Villegas at an Art Will Save Us show at Cherry Cola Dog. We have been curating shows, collaborating on paintings, and connecting more deeply with nature ever since.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have felt my fair share of disappointments; I don’t think any road worth taking is without struggles. It took me a lot of hard work and a lot of practice to get to where I am today. I’ve learned many lessons and continue to face new challenges that help me grow.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a painter and I primarily work with oils and watercolors. I’m known mostly for painting animals and highlighting their mystical symbolism. I recently started a series where I painted animals and plants made out of eyes. They are my most detailed works to date and take a lot of time. The series has great meaning to me, acting as a symbol of us, the collective consciousness, acknowledging the wisdom that nature holds and reminding us that we are one with nature; more eyes continue to open as we strive for higher consciousness. On a personal level, this represents to me a willingness to be seen and not be afraid to shine.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I particularly love the fauna and flora of Austin, the greenbelt, and the delicious food. Austin has a lot of growing pains right now; I could do with less traffic.
Contact Info:
- Email: rosemoonatx@gmail.com
- Website: www.rosemoonatx.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rosemarykallen
- Facebook: facebook.com/rosemarykallen
Image Credits
Mike Grey
