Meet Abby Elise Baker | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Elise Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby Elise, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
You know, I think every artist at some point has thoughts of giving up because of the unsteadiness that comes with this kind of career. Feelings of doubt keep us humble and let us know we need to keep working hard. And for me, whenever I get the feeling of giving up I tell myself to just keep going, and most importantly keep creating. I think it is also very important to let yourself feel those feelings of doubt and figure out why they are happening. Is it money, recognition, exhaustion, etc… Try and find that root cause. Once you think you have the cause, then work on how to fix it. Might be something as easy as giving yourself regular rest days. Or maybe it is more difficult to figure out and you need to work on it daily. Either way, how you come out at the end of the tough time makes you even more equipped to do it in the future.

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.
As a freelance acrylic painter deeply influenced by the French impressionism movement, my work draws on the stylistic qualities of some of my favorite artists—Monet’s fleeting impressions, Da Vinci’s detailed sketches, and Bernini’s dramatic realism. Over years of dedication, I’ve developed a unique style that merges these elements to create pieces that feel moody, introspective, and unfinished, as if the moment they capture could dissolve with a single breath. My brushstrokes and linework are intentionally loose and sketch-like, lending an immediacy to each painting that encourages viewers to linger in the moment with me.

Getting to this point in my career has been anything but straightforward. The journey required not just practice but also a constant willingness to explore new techniques and ideas. Trial and error have been my greatest teachers, and this iterative approach has shaped not only my style but my entire philosophy on creativity. I believe that as an artist, you have to continuously push boundaries—not only to set your work apart but to create something that feels entirely yours. One of my guiding questions is always, “How can I give people a new experience through my art?” This drive for uniqueness shapes not only my paintings but also my approach to sharing my work with the world.

One recent step in this journey involved finding a fresh way to reach people with my art. I struggled with traditional venues: I couldn’t find a local gallery that aligned with my vision, and I was starting to burn out on art festivals and markets. I wanted something different, a way to share my work that would let me connect with people more personally. I envisioned a space where people could not only see my art but also ask questions, hear the stories behind each piece, and understand my approach on a deeper level. This connection felt important, as I don’t do prints or copies. To me, art is meant to be intimate and personal, not mass-produced. When someone owns a piece of my work, I want them to feel like they know me, like they have a piece of my story in their space.

So, I came up with the idea of hosting an “Art Party” (still working on the name!). I transformed my garage into a welcoming space, complete with snacks, drinks, and a playlist that set the mood. This casual setting allowed people to browse my work, connect with me, and enjoy an evening out without the formalities of a gallery. Just last week, I hosted my first Art Party, and it exceeded all my expectations! Not only did I meet incredible people, but I was also able to create a memorable experience that went beyond just selling art. The response was so positive that I’m now planning more Art Parties, looking forward to how this new approach will evolve and grow.

I want the world to know that my art is about connecting personally—both with the work itself and with me. I hope people remember the pieces they own as not just artworks but as experiences and connections.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Columbus is FULL of amazing places, especially to eat and drink! Typically a night out with my friends includes a delicious meal and some fun cocktails. But let’s be honest we also love a good greasy burger and dive bar. So if you’re feeling like an elevated evening I would say a dinner at the Sycamore, Due Amici, or Chapman’s and then a good drink at Understory or Antiques on High. But if you’re looking for a casual night (which is typically our weekends) we love to go to Blue Willy’s in Grove City and then head on over to Hop Yard 62 or Town Center Pub. For some more weekend activity my husband and I love going around to different parks in Columbus, with one of our favorites being Schiller Park in German Village.

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?
Most people would think a person’s success in life and career would be attributed to someone they know personally, but for me that is a bit different. While I have met her in person once (very briefly), she has changed my life dramatically with her words and life story. I am referring to the incredible, Erin French. She is the owner of The Lost Kitchen and the writer of the book Finding Freedom.

Website: https://www.oiseau.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oiseau.co/

Image Credits
The two photos of me at the flower farm were photographed by Erin Tufts Cartier