Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nella Lush. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nella, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Earning a full-time living from my creative work is something I’m deeply grateful for. It’s not just a career—it’s a reflection of who I am. My journey to this point has been shaped by persistence, growth, and a willingness to embrace the challenges that come with being an artist.

For much of my life, I balanced other roles—as a wife and mother—before returning to the artist I’d always been. Building my career wasn’t a straight path, it was a process of sharing my work, connecting with others, and navigating the ever-present self-doubt that’s part of the creative life. That doubt hasn’t disappeared—it’s a companion that reminds me of the vulnerability and authenticity at the heart of my work.

What I value most are the connections I’ve made—fellow artists, galleries, and collectors who see themselves in my work. Even setbacks have taught me resilience and helped me grow as both an artist and a person.

More than making a living, art has given me a way of living—one rooted in discovery, connection, and purpose. For that, I’m endlessly grateful.

Nella, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Nella, an artist who finds purpose in storytelling and emotion through the medium of painting. For me, art has always been about creating connections—whether that’s with nature, cherished memories, or the people I meet along the way.

My journey began in Italy, where I was surrounded by the warmth of family, friends, and the rich cultural traditions of my home. When I got married and moved away, I found myself longing for the familiar comforts of my old country. That longing shaped my work—textures imbued with nostalgia, colors inspired by dreams, and layers that tell my story. Over time, I realized my art wasn’t just something I created—it was an extension of who I am, reflecting my journey, emotions, and the people and places I hold dear.

My creative process mirrors my life. Each piece I create is a journey of discovery—adding, subtracting, writing, scraping, and uncovering. It’s a process of losing something only to find it again, like a sculptor digging to reveal a hidden form. Every stroke is a chapter, every texture a glimpse into the layers of emotions that make me who I am.

What began as a personal way to navigate life’s challenges has grown into something greater—a way to share stories, foster connections, and offer a sense of reflection and meaning to others.

I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years, from collaborating with galleries that embrace my vision to connecting with collectors who find their own stories in my work. For many years, I also held a mentorship program in my studio—a space where artists could explore their creativity in a non-critical, supportive environment. I never saw myself as a teacher, but rather as a guide, helping others find their answers and their voice. In doing so, I found that helping others helped me as well, reminding me of the strength we find in unity and shared purpose.

My hope is that my art transcends the canvas, offering those who experience it a sense of peace, connection, and hope. Ultimately, my work is a reflection of the idea that through creativity, we can connect, heal, and inspire one another.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

That’s an interesting question, and it touches on something I’ve often reflected on throughout my artistic journey.

What I think non-creatives might struggle to understand is how deeply personal and multifaceted the creative process is. For me, art is not about fitting into a category or genre, it’s about expressing something true and authentic—a mission that transcends labels. Creating is my way of exploring and sharing the human experience, and every piece I produce carries a fragment of my story, my emotions, and my perspective.

What many might not realize is how vulnerable this makes the process. Sharing my work feels like sharing a piece of myself with the world, and that’s both exhilarating and intimidating. There’s an inner struggle—one I face daily—of staying true to my voice amidst external expectations and the temptation to conform to predefined molds. The questions I wrestle with aren’t just technical, they’re existential: How do I create something that’s mine and not what others expect of me? How do I balance the joy of creation with the pressure to categorize and define?

The creative journey is also one of persistence. It’s easy to see the finished work and imagine it as the result of pure inspiration, but behind the scenes, there are countless moments of doubt, trial, and error. Creativity is as much about the willingness to embrace uncertainty and failure as it is about the moments of triumph.

Beyond the art itself, there’s the challenge of building a sustainable path in the arts. Managing the balance between creative freedom and the practicalities of a career—networking, collaborating, sharing my work—requires its own kind of creativity. But it’s a balance I’ve embraced because it allows me to connect with others in meaningful ways.

If there’s one thing I hope to share, it’s that the creative journey isn’t linear. It’s a cycle of growth, exploration, and transformation. And while it might seem magical from the outside, it’s really a blend of hard work, passion, and the courage to stay open and vulnerable.

If these insights offer even a glimmer of empathy or inspiration to someone—creative or not—then I feel the journey has been worthwhile.

Have you ever had to pivot?

That’s such an important question, and for me, the pivotal moment came when I was a young mother and wife, trying to balance those roles with my passion for painting. At times, finishing a piece felt like an uphill battle. There were endless responsibilities pulling me in different directions, and I often felt like being a mother and wife was a handicap to my creative goals.

But as I kept pushing forward, life taught me otherwise. I realized that those roles weren’t holding me back—they were shaping me, giving me a deeper understanding of perseverance and purpose. Every late-night painting session, every moment I stole away to create, wasn’t just for me—it was to set an example for my kids. I wanted them to see that no matter how many roles we take on, it’s possible to pursue our passions and achieve our dreams.

That period taught me how to adapt. Instead of seeing my circumstances as obstacles, I started viewing them as part of the creative process. The challenges helped me develop discipline, resilience, and a deeper connection to my art. And when I saw my children growing up with the belief that anything is possible, I knew that all the struggles were worth it.

Looking back, that pivot wasn’t just about learning to balance my roles—it was about redefining what success looked like and realizing that creativity thrives when it’s rooted in love, purpose, and the determination to keep going, no matter what.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nellalush.com.
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nellalush
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nella.lush