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Raised in rural Alabama, Jamie Earnest is best-known for her paintings and sculptures that explore themes of classic southern virtues that exist at odds with the collectivist, exclusionary narrative of southern hospitality. By employing specific symbols and narratives, Earnest attempts to come to terms with her own southern upbringing, which often feels contradictory with the social climate of her home state. She completed her BFA at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA. Recent exhibitions include 'Nearing Each Other' at the Carnegie Museum of Art. The artist lives and works in Pittsburgh, PA.
Published on April 1st, 2025. Artist responses collected in months previous.
Talk about some of the logistics of your art practice. What systems do you have in place to help streamline your workflows?
This year, I transitioned to working in my basement studio, which has allowed me to streamline my practice significantly. Having a workspace within my home has reduced the logistical challenges of commuting and given me more flexibility with my creative schedule. My partner, who is also an artist, plays a significant role in my process. Although our practices differ, we often engage in critical and productive conversations that sharpen my ideas and keep me grounded. Lastly, my reading and writing habits form the foundation for many of my concepts. I keep a notebook where I gather thoughts, literary excerpts, and visual ideas to revisit during the creation phase.
What is some advice for someone who does not have any experience who would like to pursue a career like yours?
Start by exploring your interests without pressure to perfect your work. Take time to experiment with materials and concepts to discover what resonates with you. Seek out community opportunities—whether it’s local art groups, classes, or online spaces—to share your work and learn from others. Don’t underestimate the power of consistency; even small, regular creative efforts can lead to growth over time. The latter is something I have to constantly remind myself of, small steps help make the biggest strides later on. Building a career in the arts can be challenging, but it’s deeply rewarding. Surround yourself with supportive peers, mentors, and collaborators who will challenge and inspire you. Lastly, embrace failure as part of your journey—some of my most meaningful breakthroughs came from mistakes or missteps that pushed me to think differently.
What was the lowest point in your art career and how did you overcome those adversities?
The lowest point in my career was when I struggled with medical issues that made it impossible for me to work in my studio for an extended period during parts of 2022 into 2023. As an artist, my creative output is deeply tied to my mental and physical health, so this was a particularly challenging time. Initially, I felt guilt and frustration, but I gradually reframed this period as an opportunity to reflect and recalibrate. I turned to reading and writing as alternative ways to engage with my practice.
How did you come into the type of artwork you are doing now?
My current practice evolved from an ongoing exploration of the interplay between public and private spaces. While much of my work incorporates narratives of the South and Southern hospitality, the broader theme I’m drawn to is the tension between collective memory (public) and personal history (private). Public space, for me, often represents “the other,” a shared cultural narrative, while private space embodies an individual’s sense of self and isolated experience. These dynamics are central to my reconstructions of domestic spaces, where I incorporate symbols like a candy cross or silhouettes of hands to evoke uncanniness and dissonance. The spectral qualities of my work, a public experience of the private, are intentional, inviting viewers to engage with a sense of both familiarity and detachment. My transition to a basement studio has also influenced this theme, creating an intimate workspace where these ideas feel even more immediate. Shifting from painting to incorporating sculptural elements has further allowed me to challenge the viewer’s position as an onlooker, blurring the line between allusion and illusion in my practice. What is seen and unseen.
What was an epiphany in your art practice that took you to the next level?
As I have mentioned in previous twirl interviews, one of the most transformative moments in my practice was learning to embrace failure as a crucial part of growth. Early in my career, I feared making mistakes, often overthinking each decision to avoid imperfection. I realized that failure isn’t a setback but an opportunity to learn and push boundaries. Another pivotal moment was discovering the role of literature in my process. By integrating reading and writing into my practice, I developed a richer conceptual framework that elevated my work. This dual embrace of failure and interdisciplinary exploration has given me the confidence to take creative risks and continually evolve as an artist.
Talk about some of the logistics of your art practice. What systems do you have in place to help streamline your workflows?
This year, I transitioned to working in my basement studio, which has allowed me to streamline my practice significantly. Having a workspace within my home has reduced the logistical challenges of commuting and given me more flexibility with my creative schedule. My partner, who is also an artist, plays a significant role in my process. Although our practices differ, we often engage in critical and productive conversations that sharpen my ideas and keep me grounded. Lastly, my reading and writing habits form the foundation for many of my concepts. I keep a notebook where I gather thoughts, literary excerpts, and visual ideas to revisit during the creation phase.
What is some advice for someone who does not have any experience who would like to pursue a career like yours?
Start by exploring your interests without pressure to perfect your work. Take time to experiment with materials and concepts to discover what resonates with you. Seek out community opportunities—whether it’s local art groups, classes, or online spaces—to share your work and learn from others. Don’t underestimate the power of consistency; even small, regular creative efforts can lead to growth over time. The latter is something I have to constantly remind myself of, small steps help make the biggest strides later on. Building a career in the arts can be challenging, but it’s deeply rewarding. Surround yourself with supportive peers, mentors, and collaborators who will challenge and inspire you. Lastly, embrace failure as part of your journey—some of my most meaningful breakthroughs came from mistakes or missteps that pushed me to think differently.
What was the lowest point in your art career and how did you overcome those adversities?
The lowest point in my career was when I struggled with medical issues that made it impossible for me to work in my studio for an extended period during parts of 2022 into 2023. As an artist, my creative output is deeply tied to my mental and physical health, so this was a particularly challenging time. Initially, I felt guilt and frustration, but I gradually reframed this period as an opportunity to reflect and recalibrate. I turned to reading and writing as alternative ways to engage with my practice.
How did you come into the type of artwork you are doing now?
My current practice evolved from an ongoing exploration of the interplay between public and private spaces. While much of my work incorporates narratives of the South and Southern hospitality, the broader theme I’m drawn to is the tension between collective memory (public) and personal history (private). Public space, for me, often represents “the other,” a shared cultural narrative, while private space embodies an individual’s sense of self and isolated experience. These dynamics are central to my reconstructions of domestic spaces, where I incorporate symbols like a candy cross or silhouettes of hands to evoke uncanniness and dissonance. The spectral qualities of my work, a public experience of the private, are intentional, inviting viewers to engage with a sense of both familiarity and detachment. My transition to a basement studio has also influenced this theme, creating an intimate workspace where these ideas feel even more immediate. Shifting from painting to incorporating sculptural elements has further allowed me to challenge the viewer’s position as an onlooker, blurring the line between allusion and illusion in my practice. What is seen and unseen.
What was an epiphany in your art practice that took you to the next level?
As I have mentioned in previous twirl interviews, one of the most transformative moments in my practice was learning to embrace failure as a crucial part of growth. Early in my career, I feared making mistakes, often overthinking each decision to avoid imperfection. I realized that failure isn’t a setback but an opportunity to learn and push boundaries. Another pivotal moment was discovering the role of literature in my process. By integrating reading and writing into my practice, I developed a richer conceptual framework that elevated my work. This dual embrace of failure and interdisciplinary exploration has given me the confidence to take creative risks and continually evolve as an artist.
Find Jamie Earnest on Instagram
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