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

Hi Margaret, what’s your definition for success?
I was once told by workshop instructor that “you never really arrive”. I have two different thoughts on that philosophy. On the one hand, thinking that I’ll never really arrive causes me to work twice as hard to be accepted by the “art community”. Whatever that means. On the other hand I believe that the concept of success exists in ones own head. In 2009 when I first embarked on this journey of art and sculpture, I told myself that I will have arrived if I sold one piece. Well, since that time, I have sold many pieces. What does ”arriving” mean? is it the number of sales that one generates from one’s artwork, or is it the number of prizes one wins in shows? Or is it a combination of the two? Nobody but the artist himself or herself can define their success. How do I feel about where I am in my progress? I am contented with where I am and willing to strive for additional recognition in shows and sales, but not so driven as to lose track of the pleasure I experience when creating a new piece.

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.
Without trying to sound embittered, I would like to mention that being a woman sculptor in the western art genre is not easy. Western art was traditionally created by the American male cowboy. Although I’m not a cowboy, I grew up having a special interest in horses and Indians in the western way of life. My upbringing in the extreme north western corner of Colorado Although I’m not a cowboy, I grew up having a special interest in horses and Indians in the western way of life. My upbringing in the extreme north western corner of Colorado where ranching and Indians and cowboys and bandits existed, influenced me immensely. My years spent grooming, riding, and caring for my horses was time well spent, as I now am aware of the anatomy of a horse based on that experience. In my area of art, I am required to compete with traditional male cowboy artists. Because I’m not accepted into any of these groups I am driven to prove that I can create pieces every bit as good and perhaps better than their output.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Somervell County is the second smallest county in Texas. However, we have a lot to offer here. We have beautiful landscape – it is the start of the Texas Hill Country, we have Dinosaur Valley National Park, Barnards Mill, the historical 150+ year old mill on the Paluxy river, we have fossil rim wildlife center, we have the beautiful Paluxy river, the last un-dammed river in Texas. I would take them to visit Glen Rose’s only Art Gallery, the White Buffalo on the Square where I have some sculptures on display. In Glen Rose we would eat at the River House Grill, Inn on the River, Loco Coyote, Storiebook Cafe, and Sugarbiscuits. In Granbury, we would eat at Christina’s. In Granbury, I would take them to visit Your Private Collection gallery where more of my sculptures are featured. Additionally I would take them to the myriads of museums and the Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth, just 50 miles from my home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would most especially like to recognize my husband Robert, who has been so supportive of this adventure. The money I have spent and the time taken away from being with him is a big sacrifice, but he has been willing and supportive for me to do whatever it takes to further my career. Second, I would like to recognize my big sister Jan, to whom I am very close. She was a mother to me when growing up. And she continues to be very supportive by buying as many pieces as she possibly can and exclaiming loudly about my prowess to all her friends (to my embarrassment). Third, I would like to thank my all my friends. I never cease to be surprised when one of my dear friends wants to purchase one of my pieces. I try to let them know that it is certainly not expected of them, but I’ve had many friends who have wanted a piece of my work. To me that is the highest compliment.

Website: Www.margaretdrakestudio.com
Instagram: Margaretdrakestudio
Linkedin: Margaret Drake
Twitter: @margaret_mdrake
Facebook: Margaret Drake studio

Image Credits
Myself