An Artist’s Tale: Finding Her Calling

By Dylan Bailey
Tricia Faulkner, artist of the month at Amelia Island Art Association.

Tricia Faulkner’s tale is an inspiring story of self-discovery, resilience, and artistic brilliance. As a self-taught artist, the journey has taken her from the farmlands of Alabama to international recognition in the art world

Her love of sketching and drawing was a source of relaxation and an escape from the pressures of her daily life. However, she never saw it as a viable career option. She instead earned a doctorate degree in pharmacy, a field far removed from her artistic inclinations.

The turning point in Faulkner’s life came in April 2020. She enrolled in an online class in Bold Art Painting and started taking her art seriously. This was when she finally gave in to her heart’s calling.

Faulkner’s art is characterized by its focus on human expressions. Her heart drove her to portray powerful emotions in faces. In her first 18 months of professional painting, she received over 60 commissions, a testament to her talent and unique style.

Despite the overwhelming demand, Faulkner put commissions on hold in 2022. She wanted to regain her artistic voice and create pieces representing her vision and experiences.

Drawing inspiration from her mission trips as a pharmacist, Faulkner portrayed the faces of the people she photographed. Her spiritual upbringing also led her to create evocative pieces depicting concepts of good and evil, and various forms of angels.

Living on Amelia Island gave Faulkner the opportunity to explore various other themes in her art. Inspired by the island’s natural beauty. Her series, “Of Marsh & Sea” showcases Amelia Island’s  wildlife and landscapes.

As Tricia continued to create, her talent did not go unnoticed. She was recognized in an interview by Vanity Fair Magazine UK and Nashville Voyager Magazine’s “Inspiring Stories” in 2022. She won Best In Show and 1st Place in a Regional Exhibition, three national juried exhibitions, and three international juried exhibitions.

Her artwork “Breaker of Chains” won a certificate of artistic achievement from the Pinacothèque Museum in Luxembourg. This piece, an angel portrayal, is a stunning example of Faulkner’s ability to evoke emotion and tell compelling stories through her art.

Tricia’s journey as an artist is far from over. She is constantly evolving and striving to find her true artistic voice. She believes that her work till now has been a stepping stone towards that goal – creating art that reflects her imagination and the world as she sees it.

Tricia Faulkner shows the power of following one’s passion with her journey from pharmacist to artist. When asked for a closing statement, she responded, “There is a spirit and a higher power that binds us all. When you accept it and start believing and listening to your inner voice, you will become phenomenal.”

Visit Tricia Faulkner’s website to view her art and learn more.