Stationery may be Abby Brown’s medium of choice, but she is anything but a paper doll. Abby revolutionized her life to become the artist of her dreams.
Originally from Florida, Abby moved to North Carolina to attend Appalachian State University and eventually become an art therapist. Midway through, Abby realized her heart wasn’t in psychology and switched her program to visual culture.
“I had full ride scholarships, I had really great grades, I had a lot going for me, but I was really unwell mentally,” Abby said. “I switched to visual culture, and it could not have been more perfect.”
Then, the unbelievable happened.
“I had probably 18 months to go, and I got pregnant,” Abby said.
Abby finished all of her credits in nine months, graduating two weeks shy of her due date.
Abby explained feeling “lost” post-graduation, as most of her friends were continuing to master’s programs. Rather than letting it deter her from living, she used her unique experience as inspiration.
Abby, her boyfriend and daughter moved around North Carolina, where she felt drawn to nature and her “chosen family” in the hills.
Through odd jobs, she reclaimed her love for painting and drawing, spontaneously sharing them online. Eventually, Abby said it just “clicked.”
She began experimenting with watercolors, acrylics, wedding paintings and most recently paper.
“I completely rebranded last year and took down all my old artwork and decided ‘This is who I am,’” she said. “It took years to realize who I am as an artist and not just somebody trying to make money to support her family. I actually have a voice.”
Abby describes having imposter syndrome and never feeling enough because of her nontraditional job. While she never feels “fully over it,” she works daily to overcome her anxiety.
“The best way to describe imposter syndrome is like a muscle, where if you know if you want to be strong, then you have to use your muscles,” she said. “I don’t think that inner voice ever really goes away. It just gets quieter. Sometimes it’s easier to be like ‘No, I’m a badass who can do all the things,’ and sometimes you’re like ‘No, I’m actually drowning.’”
Abby draws inspiration from living a peaceful life, even if it’s not what she originally imagined for herself.
“Throughout my life, the things I always journal about, write about, sketch about, it’s the little things that make me feel so happy to be alive,” she said. “I consider that every single day, with my PTSD, I’ve had moments where I’ve not wanted to be here tomorrow, and it’s those tiny things that keep me going. Ultimately, the thing that makes it Abby’s work is like it’s always about these little communities, family, tiny small treasures you’re collecting throughout your day. Nature is a lot of it.”
Abby said her family has “tried” to move away from the mountains, but always ends up in the place she feels the safest. By living in Boone and Asheville, Abby learned the deep histories of Appalachian people who have lived here for centuries and rallied around each other in tumultuous times.
“I feel like there’s something about these ancient hills that exudes this energy of life like ‘this is what life’s about,” Abby said. “After [Hurricane] Helene, that grew even deeper. …I have never seen people gather together like they did.”
Hurricane Helene taught Abby how to not only survive without modern luxuries, but to thrive. She leaned into “folk” artwork and taught herself to make beautiful things with just paper and kitchen scissors.
“Folk art is women in rural areas who were just trying to make practical things beautiful, and that’s what I did in these mountains,” Abby said. “When I decided to choose all my tomorrows and keep living life, I chose to be resilient. Good enough is great, right? What you have right at your disposal can be really beautiful and amazing and make life worth living, and I wanted my art to feel homey and accessible like that.”
Abby is currently working on illustrating her own children’s book, running ‘Just A Brown Bird’ online shop, and teaching local art classes. To support her, follow her Instagram or newsletter.
