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

Hi Casey, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to follow my own passions and ignite my inner spark, rather than chasing someone else’s dream. I believe I have a strong mission to inspire others through abstract artwork. Office work never felt meaningful or fulfilling to me. Often, I would find myself at my 8-5 job thinking, “What am I doing with my life? I feel like I’m wasting it away.”

The truth is, I have a lot of creativity within me. Instead of pushing it down, I decided to focus on what truly called me and start my own business. My goal is to inspire others and teach the community that we are all unique, different, and beautiful—just like abstract art.

In my classes, I encourage people to trust themselves and discover their inner artist. Nobody else teaches the way I do, so I knew I needed to get out there and make my dreams come true.

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.
I am an abstract artist who creates and sells my own pieces, and I also teach the San Diego community about abstract art through my workshops. My mission is to show each person that their art doesn’t need to be perfect. I guide them to find their flow with the inks, choose colors that speak to them, and follow their inner creativity while making their abstract artwork.

In my workshops, I teach that art doesn’t need to be learned step by step. By releasing fear and control, we can create something much more beautiful. At the end of each session, I have everyone look around to see how unique each creation is, just like all of us. This teaches us that we are not the same and were never meant to be.

The journey hasn’t been easy, but I have learned to trust it, listen to the calling within, and keep going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Arrival and Beach Day
Morning:

Breakfast at The Cottage in La Jolla: Start the day with a delicious breakfast at this charming spot.
La Jolla Cove: Spend the morning exploring La Jolla Cove, watching the sea lions, and taking in the beautiful coastal views.
Afternoon:

Lunch at George’s at the Cove: Enjoy a scenic lunch with ocean views.
La Jolla Shores Beach: Relax on the beach, maybe even try some surfing or kayaking.
Evening:

Dinner at Herringbone: Experience coastal cuisine in a unique, indoor-outdoor setting.
Sunset at Ellen Browning Scripps Park: End the day with a breathtaking sunset view.
Day 2: Downtown and Historic Sites
Morning:

Breakfast at Café 222: Famous for their pumpkin waffles and hearty breakfasts.
USS Midway Museum: Explore the historic aircraft carrier and learn about naval aviation.
Afternoon:

Lunch at Seaport Village: Grab a bite to eat and wander through the quaint shops.
Gaslamp Quarter: Walk around the historic district and visit some unique boutiques.
Evening:

Dinner at The Lion’s Share: Enjoy a creative menu with exotic meats and craft cocktails.
Drinks at Altitude Sky Lounge: Take in the skyline views from this rooftop bar.
Day 3: Balboa Park and Museums
Morning:

Breakfast at The Prado: Located in Balboa Park, offering a lovely start to the day.
Balboa Park: Explore the park’s gardens, and visit museums like the San Diego Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum.
Afternoon:

Lunch at Panama 66: Relax with a meal in the Sculpture Garden.
San Diego Zoo: Spend the afternoon exploring one of the world’s best zoos.
Evening:

Dinner at Cucina Urbana: Enjoy modern Italian cuisine in a trendy setting.
Old Globe Theatre: Catch a live performance if there’s one playing.
Day 4: Coronado Island
Morning:

Breakfast at Clayton’s Coffee Shop: A retro diner experience on Coronado Island.
Coronado Beach: Relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
Afternoon:

Lunch at Hotel del Coronado: Dine at this iconic historic hotel.
Bike Ride around Coronado: Rent bikes and explore the island.
Evening:

Dinner at Peohe’s: Enjoy a seafood dinner with stunning views of the San Diego skyline.
Drinks at The Del’s Babcock & Story Bar: Sip cocktails at this classic bar in the Hotel del Coronado.
Day 5: North County Adventure
Morning:

Breakfast at Naked Café in Solana Beach: Start the day with a healthy, delicious meal.
Self-Realization Fellowship Gardens in Encinitas: Wander through these peaceful, cliffside gardens.
Afternoon:

Lunch at Fish 101 in Leucadia: Enjoy fresh seafood in a laid-back setting.
Swami’s Beach: Spend the afternoon at this famous surf spot.
Evening:

Dinner at Pacific Coast Grill: Savor beachfront dining with a diverse menu.
Drinks at Culture Brewing Co. in Solana Beach: Sample local craft beers.
Day 6: Theme Parks and Shopping
Morning:

Breakfast at The Broken Yolk Café: Fuel up with a hearty breakfast.
SeaWorld San Diego: Spend the day enjoying rides, shows, and marine life exhibits.
Afternoon:

Lunch at SeaWorld: Grab a bite inside the park to maximize your time.
Shopping at Fashion Valley Mall: Explore high-end shops and boutiques.
Evening:

Dinner at Puesto: Enjoy delicious tacos and margaritas in a vibrant setting.
Drinks at Polite Provisions: Experience creative cocktails at this trendy bar.
Day 7: Relax and Unwind
Morning:

Breakfast at Kono’s Café in Pacific Beach: Enjoy breakfast with an ocean view.
Pacific Beach Boardwalk: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the boardwalk.
Afternoon:

Lunch at PB Shore Club: Relax with a casual beachside meal.
Mission Bay: Spend the afternoon paddleboarding or renting a boat.
Evening:

Dinner at JRDN at Tower23: End the trip with a sunset dinner overlooking the ocean.
Fireworks at SeaWorld: If you’re there on a weekend, catch the fireworks show to cap off the trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friends and family have been my greatest supporters. Whenever I shared an idea about my business, people would always respond with, “That’s amazing! You can do it! What a good idea!” All the positive feedback from the community really ignited the fire within me. Whenever I feel like giving up, people always encourage me to keep going.

Website: https://www.caseyabstractartist.com

Instagram: @caseyabstractartist.com

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