Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffrey Walling.
Hi Jeffrey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From central Michigan, born in 1964. That is where I spent the first nineteen years of my life—raised by my hardworking and loving mother. In my freshman year of high school, I discovered my passion for art, moving to Sarasota in 1984 to attend Ringling School of Art and Design. After Ringling, I dabble in a couple of different possible careers, drawing portraits, sign painting, cook and commercial plant care “expert.” In 1990 I applied for a position at a decorative art company out of Los Angeles that had recently relocated to Sarasota. I was hired, and for the first time in my life, I looked forward to going to work. Painting murals, faux finishes, and commissioned art, me and my fellow artists traveled extensively decorating hotels, resorts and homes in Tokyo, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Mexico and Jamaica. By the end of my first year with the company, I became the project manager. At the end of 1991, I married the love of my life Debra. In 1995 my wife and I made the decision to open our decorative art studio, WilderAnn. Primarily working in the Tampa Bay Area, also having the great fortune to work all over Florida, Atlanta, Scottsdale, New York City, Bermuda and the UK. On September 1, 2020, we celebrated our 25th year in business. We’ve been blessed over these many years to have worked with some of the finest interior designers, architects, and subcontractors with the great fortune also to meet and become friends with many of the homeowners, allowing me to work in their beautiful homes.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Put, NO. Being self-employed and working in a completely subjective field like art, the challenges are constant. I find myself trying to find a happy medium between conflicting opinions on some small or large concept of color, technique, design, or cost. The axiom of self-employment “it’s feast or famine” is certainly true. Both come with inherent difficulties. The “feast” can overwhelm you with an impossible schedule working seven days a week, maybe disappointing a client when a schedule can’t be met. Then there is “famine” with its obvious financial challenges and all the related effects of that. Every year has its share of both of these. Then there is the demand of staying relevant to the trends, wanting to improve my artistic abilities and knowledge of my craft.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an artist. For over 30 years now, I have specialized in painting murals, fine art, furniture, and faux finishes. I am in constant awe of the masters who came before the contemporary masters of today and me. I find inspiration and education in their work.
What are your plans for the future?
Not necessarily any big changes in my future though a greater concentration on my fine art in the years to come. Working more in my studio on murals on canvas, commissioned paintings, and my own art. I have a love for painting landscapes, still life’s and abstracts.
Contact Info:
- Email: wilderann@me.com
- Website: wilderann.com
- Instagram: jeffreywwalling
Image Credits
All photos taken by Jeffrey Walling Except #2 and #7 taken by Debra Walling
E. Walling
February 24, 2021 at 4:44 pm
Jeff’s artwork is awesome! The use of rich, beautiful colors, his application of lighting and attention to detail draws you in for an emotional and meaningful experience for all to enjoy and admire.