Meredith Walker: Finding Joy
Meredith Walker is a multidisciplinary artist and designer whose work explores themes of physical and spiritual rootedness. Inspired by nature, vintage textiles, and historical folk art, her practice blends fluid acrylics, gouache, and natural elements like soil and rainwater to create richly layered compositions. Initially turning to painting as a therapeutic outlet during early motherhood, Meredith’s process has evolved into a meditative act of play, prioritizing intuition over outcome. Her work, spanning paintings, embroidery, and illustration, reflects her South Carolina coastal roots, spiritual musings, and a deep curiosity about global cultures. She currently lives in Columbia, SC, where she continues to create work that evokes warmth, spontaneity, and belonging.
How did your creative journey begin?
I started painting shortly after having my second daughter in 2019. I grew up in a very creative environment— my mother, aunt and grandmother always working on home projects, embroidery, pottery. They showed me what it looks like to be resourceful, using materials you already have before ever going out to buy something new. Although I didn't take any formal art classes until college, I learned the value of creativity from a young age and have always felt most seen and understood when expressing myself through art.
You originally studied graphic design—how did that background influence your transition into painting and illustration?
I dove into painting somewhat head first, and without any real knowledge about the skills needed to pursue it as a career. Graphic design deals a lot with composition— how to create visuals that feel balanced and engaging to clearly communicate a message. So although I felt somewhat in the dark about the painting world, I did feel that I could trust my intuition in terms of creating the work.
You describe your work as "contemporary folk art." What draws you to folk traditions, and how do you reinterpret them in a modern way?
I started traveling when I was a teenager— to Norway, the Dominican Republic, France. Seeing these new places and the visual languages of different cultures completely opened up my world. Folk art in particular, the "common" art you see when you visit a local market, or the functional works (bowls, tools, textiles, etc.) we look at throughout history, is the most interesting kind of art. It communicates cultural values, while letting you feel so close to the hand that actually constructed the piece. There is something so honest and earnest about folk art— it's not seeking perfection but rather exists to serve a function and bring joy to the everyday person.
I don't believe my work is folk art in a traditional sense, but rather a study and celebration of patterns, symbols, and styles that inspire me. Folk art has helped me form a language for expressing my own experience— with religion, motherhood, and everyday joy.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
I will typically grab a coffee at a nearby shop, do whatever work I need to do on my computer, and then head to my little studio in downtown Columbia, SC. Lately, while I paint, I've been listening to a mixture of NPR and the Rule of Life Podcast, and I'll top it off with an episode of whatever trashy reality show I'm currently binging. Since getting a studio space last November, I've been playing with structure in my day and figuring out what I want my practice to look like.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
I think the answer to this question will always be motherhood. It is what catapulted me into painting, it is what has challenged my life's purpose, it is what has taught me to dig deep to find joy in ugly places. Motherhood completely wrecked me and then graciously picked me up, placed me on her shoulder and showed me a new way. My art doesn't visually express my experience as a mother, but all of it comes from this broken, beautiful, accepting place that I could have only found through motherhood.
How has social media impacted your work?
I owe so much of my career to Instagram. As much as I hate how relient our culture is on social media, I have to give credit where credit is due— It's allowed me to connect with artists, find inspiration, build trust with collectors, and find opportunities as an artist.
How does motherhood continue to influence your creative practice?
I think it's given me permission to be flexible with my days and know that everything doesn't have to happen right now. Motherhood is a long game, and so is being an artist— there will be good times, hard times, moments I savor, and moments I didn't cherish enough. It's a life's work.
Published on February 27, 2025