Today we’d like to introduce you to Randie Snow.
Hi randie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m moved to Pittsburgh from Chautauqua, NY, in 1984. My high school art teacher, originally from Pittsburgh, invited several students from art class on a field trip to visit the Art Institute. We fell in love with the city and enrolled in a two-year Associates Degree program in Visual Communications, but I was the only one that remained in Pittsburgh. I found a job freelancing at a small design firm, then eventually moved on to a full-time position at a small agency in the south hills, where I worked for ten years. From there, I went to work at Pipitone Group for five years, and then worked at Giant Ideas for three. After the agency closed down, I went back to freelancing and have been an independent freelancer for 15 years. I work mainly with non-profits like Phipps Conservatory, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Tree Pittsburgh, Achieva, Holy Family Institute, and The Women’s Committee of the Carnegie Museum of Art.
While working at one of the agencies, a fellow colleague introduced me to James Church—a local artist assemblage artist who had a gallery on Penn Avenue in Lawrenceville. I took a class that he held the following weekend., where we became fast friends. He started mentoring me in the art of assemblage and introducing me to the art scene in the city. Since that time, I’ve continued to create assemblage sculptures and currently have work on exhibit in “The Myth of Persephone” at BoxHeart Gallery through Oct. 23.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always struggles in life, but if you keep an open mind, stay flexible, and have friends to support you, it makes life easier. As a single, independent freelancer, the main struggle is having consistent work. I’ve been fortunate to have a great roster of clients that have not only supported me throughout the years but have often given my name as a referral to others. It’s also challenging to develop a good work/life balance. Sometimes the work load can be fairly heavy and carry late into the evenings.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m really proud and excited about the new body of assemblage sculptures that I created this year for “The Myth of Persephone.” I worked hard not to just create something beautiful, but to have each piece well constructed and layered with symbolism, so that each piece becomes a story on its own.
My eye as a graphic designer helps me with composition, texture, and color and plays an important part as I’m constructing the pieces. I continue to strive to expand my repertoire and to push the boundaries of what I’m doing.
People frequently tell me that they’ve never seen anything like my art. I definitely have developed my own style over the years. The pieces have become more sculptural in nature rather than “in the box” as with traditional assemblage art.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m curious in nature and I get inspired while visiting new places, museums and galleries. I love exploring flea markets and antique stores in search of new treasures to use in my artwork, making my house as eclectic as my art. I have two gray cats. And I enjoy spicy food.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rsnow113/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rsnow113/
- Other: https://boxheartgallery.com/art-artists/all-exhibiting-artists/randie-snow/
