Meet Nancy Palmie | Mixed-media artist specializing in watercolor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nancy Palmie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nancy, why did you pursue a creative career?
Having spent the better part of my adulthood as a corporate technical writer, and with a life-long appreciation of fine art, I forever craved a creative, artistic outlet. After I retired from corporate America, I discovered how much I love to paint and I haven’t stopped since the first day I picked up a paintbrush.
My body of work reveals the inspiration I take from nature. Drawing on memories from my early Wisconsin roots, from my years living in Colorado and California, and through extensive travels throughout the United States, this new-found passion has taught me that creating beauty from nothing is what I eagerly anticipate when the mood is right..

I never know where inspiration will strike next, but of one thing I’m certain: In this vast and beautiful world, I will never run out of things to paint.
 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Writing is a lonely business. I started a 30-year career as a corporate technical writer about the same time I became a mother (then three years later I had our second child). Finding this balance between being a parent, a wife, and a full-time corporate worker required stamina, determination, soul-searching, and much introspection. There is no creativity involved in technical documentation and the technology changes so fast you never truly catch up. So there’s that. You also must work with all types of professionals, from the CEO to engineers, to testers and editors. Many hats, zero autonomy.

The daughters grew up and flew away toward their own bright futures. As I neared the end of this career, I dreamed of fulfillment for myself, where I could do what I wanted, when I wanted, and with whom I wanted. Accustomed to working in isolation, it seemed natural to pick up a paintbrush, for painting was an early passion that had been put on hold for decades. It was immediate, this love for creating, while having the privilege of letting my thoughts wander to wherever they wanted to go. In retrospect, I see that all those years working in corporate led me to where I am today: living my life exactly the way I wish to live it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here’s something I hadn’t anticipated: when you relocate to Summerville, South Carolina from the West Coast, friends and family are excited because they want to visit you! The Charleston area is highly desirable with so much to do, the problem is there’s never enough time! The weather is almost always perfect, too.

In Charleston, we begin with a carriage ride that meanders through the cobblestone streets. We eat at one of the many great restaurants (Poogan’s Porch and SNOB – Slightly North of Broadway are two of my favorites but there are many more). We take a Harbor tour, we go on a Ghost tour, we visit Magnolia Plantation. A day or two later, we decide to “hit the beach.” Folly, Edisto, Isle of Palms, take your pick.

Summerville is also filled with excellent eateries: my favorite is the Ice House: great food, warm ambience, reasonably priced, great service! Then there’s Rustico and Laura (excellent Italian), Fish Camp and Shuckin’ Shack (for oyster lovers), just to name a few. And goodness, Hutchinson Square (the heart of Summerville), *always* has a Community-festival of some kind going on: Sweet Tea festival in September and Flowertown Festival in the Spring are two worth mentioning. Public Works Art Center is open to the public, great shops, restaurants, bars. All within a few blocks’ radius.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Little in life leaves one feeling more vulnerable than taking a risk so great it renders you fearful and humble, as was the case with me, when I ventured into the unknown world of painting. Let’s start with the individuals closest to me. My husband Jeff sees me painting most days. He encourages me to keep going when he sees that creative spark fly, or take a break when the mood isn’t right. My grown daughters have been strong, unwavering supporters since the beginning. One of my favorite artists, Kay Campbell (who happens to be an aunt-by-marriage) offers constructive criticism and helpful guidance. I need to shout out to a few friends in my close, inner circle who gave me the confidence to pursue my dream. Thank you, dear friends and family members. You know who you are.

Finally, a huge shout out to the artists at the Public Works Art Center in historical, downtown Summerville, SC. This wonderful group kindly offers supportive feedback and freely shares their work and wisdom. I am forever grateful and a better artist thanks to these talented artisans.

Website: www.nancypalmie.com

Instagram: nancypalmie

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Image Credits
All images owned by Nancy Palmie