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Art medium(s): Relief Printmaker, Mixed Media Artist

How do you describe your art? It’s a little bit of an art adventure. I like to learn new things and try new processes and change things up. I am constantly adding those things to my art practice. A process that I am experimenting and perfecting currently is printing a block print that on top of mixed media collage.

Were you always interested in following a creative path? No, growing up, I was taught that I had to have a “real job” and that “artist” was not something that could or would sustain me. That all changed when I became unemployed in 2016. I took an art class and discovered new found joy and relief from anxiety of being unemployed. I learned that the sustaining power of creating art isn’t necessarily financial.

What does your “day-in-the-life” as an artist look like? I am still working toward becoming a full-time artist. So, I work on pieces in the evenings and on weekends. I keep a sketchbook with me for doodles, studies and as a kind of a journal to keep track of ideas and feelings. I am fortunate in that I have a room in my home dedicated to my art practice, where I spend much of my time.

Where do you get your creative inspiration? Inspiration comes from life and my perception of things happening around me. This could be as simple as the changing of the seasons, but it could also be an expression of an emotion like grief or joy for something that happened in the past.

Why do you love what you do? Creating art feeds my soul and calms my brain. It is a way to connect with other people on a different level. I am sharing my story through art, and I love talking to people about my art.

One thing most people don’t know about being an artist, in your opinion: I think many people associate “talent” with being an artist. Talent is so subjective and makes me feel that the idea of having talent might be counterproductive to many artists. What I have learned by being an artist and getting to know other artists is that “passion” is key. Passion drives you to learn, to experiment and grow at doing or creating something.

Early bird or night owl? Early bird!

Dog or cat person? I like both, but I currently live with 2 cats.

Is the glass half full or half empty? Oh, well the thing about the glass is that it doesn’t matter whether it is half-full or half-empty…the point of the glass is that it is refillable.

What makes you happiest: This is a tough one for me. I am generally a happy person, but making memories with my daughters, family and close friends brings me great joy.

Find Lisa on Instagram and Facebook @lmariprintmaking and visit www.Lmarieprintmaking.com to shop and read blog stories.