Alex Barnhart is building a reputation as an excellent local artist. She works in different mediums and finds inspiration in many places.
Tell us about your art. What do you like to create, and what inspires you?
I paint mostly. I do acrylic, gouache and oils sometimes, and I usually paint landscapes, but it also depends. I try to find inspiration from what I’m feeling at the time, but I’ve also been inspired from my faith, music and the world around me.
What do you like best about what you do?
I think my favorite thing about being an artist is being able to, in a small way, make something from nothing. I have blank canvases, tubes of paint and brushes lying all over my desk, and by themselves, they’re nothing special. But when I invest time and intent into them, I can create something that will hopefully become meaningful in some way.
What is a typical day like for you?
Unfortunately, my typical day doesn’t include as much art as I would like. But I’m keeping busy, and you’ll find me either in class, learning at my internship or working my part-time customer service job. If I have the time and energy to put into my art, I will always come back to it. It’s a way for me to relax and de-stress. But it also helps me express things in a way that words can’t.
Tell us about your journey as an artist. How did you get started? What first sparked your interest?
I always loved art, ever since I was little. But it was just something I did every now and then, on special occasions. I remember about 10 years ago, I was probably around 11 or 12. I had a friend that started posting her calligraphy and painting online, and I was really inspired by her style and content to try it for myself. And I think I’ve improved a lot since then.
Are you from this area originally or did you settle here from somewhere else? If the latter, what brought you to this community?
I grew up in Texas, actually. The friend I just mentioned that got me more into art lives in San Antonio. I lived there for about seven years. I also spent a few years in the Dallas area, before moving to St. Augustine with my family for my dad’s work in 2016.
What do you like best about living here?
Probably living near the beach! Crescent Beach is my favorite, even though it is a bit of a drive. Downtown St. Augustine is also amazing, and there are some beautiful spots around the city.
How do you like to spend your free time?
If I’m not painting, you’ll probably find me watching a comfort show, working out or baking sourdough bread.
What's next for you and your art?
Right now, I’m working on a cover illustration piece. I’ve also been meaning to get back into oil painting, but I haven’t had the time. I actually just bought a massive canvas just for that reason, so I’m really excited to start on that. At some point, I hope to be a vendor at my neighborhood’s Christmas craft market. But in the meantime, you can find some of my creations on my TikTok page, @makinglifeartsy.
