Maddie Durso, a recent graduate of the Boston University class of 2019, is doing incredible things in her career post-BU. As a painting major with three minors in Printmaking, History of Art and Architecture, and Arts Leadership, Maddie went full-speed ahead with her career in art, despite how many people tried to slow her down.
She learned to ignore those who were skeptical of her dreams; she followed her passion with confidence in herself and support from others. And without that unwavering support, my sister, Maddie, wouldn’t have the dream job she has today. Outside of her amazing job at Turning Art, she also makes her own artwork in her spare time. Here’s what Maddie had to say about her pursuit of a dream in the arts.
Q: Did you know you always wanted to be an artist?
A: Yes, I am lucky enough to have always known that I wanted to be in the arts. I was constantly drawing and began taking art classes when I was nine.
Q: Was it hard to keep pursuing a career in art with society’s constant skepticism?
A: It was, at times, a bit defeating, but it was not hard to keep pursuing it as a career because I knew that I would never be happy doing anything else. I felt like there was never any other path for me, so it was simply what I had to do. There will always be people who make fun of the arts, but I am comforted knowing that I am on the right path for me.
Q: What advice do you have for young art majors who receive the same criticisms?
A: I would tell them that the people who laugh at the arts being a career path are most likely people who are not in careers that make them happy. I would say to these young art majors to keep pushing on and trust in your love for the arts. It will take you to where you need to be.
Q: How did you finally get your dream job? Was it worth all of the hard work?
A: I finally got my dream job by first continuing to believe in the career path I chose for myself, and second, putting in the work leading up to graduation and third, by being really persistent. I worked in art galleries in both NYC and Boston during my breaks in college and worked at a community arts center in Australia during my study abroad term (amazing to get abroad experience working in a different arts community if you have the opportunity!). It was through these internships that I realized that while I, of course, love being an artist (specifically a painter and printmaker), my passion truly lies in connecting people with art.
This led me to pursue a career at TurningArt, a company that connects the artwork of local artists with the walls of businesses around the country. I was persistent in reaching out to this company and making my interest known. Now I have been working as an Associate Art Advisor at this company for seven months and it was absolutely worth the endless applications and cover letters. I feel so lucky to be able to curate the artwork of my fellow artists for the rooms of hospitals and the hallways of office spaces, knowing that this art is making an impact on so many people’s days.
Q: What’s the best thing about being an artist?
A: The best thing about being an artist is that art will always be there. No matter what is happening around me, I am able to pick up a paper and pencil and immediately feel better by making art. During such unprecedented times, art has such a healing power, not only for the artist but for the people enjoying the art.
Three things we can all learn from Maddie: stay persistent, be creative, and follow your dream.
To view and buy Maddie’s artwork, follow her art account on Instagram @artbymkd or DM her on her personal account @5maddie.
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