We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Suzanne Adkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Suzanne below.

Suzanne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I spent my childhood and adolescence creating art. That was put on hold in college. Most of my young adulthood was then spent studying and training for my Optometry career. I did a few art shows during that time, but only did a handful of projects. I always thought I would have time for art and my creative work after graduation. Time seemed to get shorter every year. As my Optometry career progressed and I started a family, I realized I wouldn’t have this ample block of time I thought would be available. Thing just got busier. I also started feeling unfulfilled in Optometry. The more skilled and experienced I got, the boredom set in. I felt like I was on repeat daily. I decided to make time where I could and restart my art projects. I recently restarted my art projects a few years ago. That meant painting or drawing when the baby slept. I usually stay up late at night to get larger chunks of time to devote to projects.

I wish I made more time for myself and art sooner, especially during stressful times. Projects don’t have to be very large. Smaller canvases and paint markers are something quick to use. It’s also great stress relief. Art is very fulfilling for me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started making art in childhood. There were many gap years where I also never touched a paintbrush. I recently started making art a priority in my life a few years ago. It’s brought me joy, and also commissions!

Art is not my full-time job. I’m an Optometrist during the day. Art and commissions now keep me busy at night though. Most of my clients ask for custom painted canvas. I also sell archival prints and my other paintings at local art show. For commissioned pieces, clients will give me ideas of what style and subject they are wanting. I will ask them color preferences and favorite artists for inspiration. I also need a visual of the space and wall. My clients are easy to work with, and don’t give too many specifications. Sometimes the art unfolds during the process and ideas flow differently, which you need creative liberty for! They know the end result will be colorful. I honestly don’t always know the end result until it happens. I use art to tune into a different more intuitive side.

I like to think I provide my clients with quality custom art. I hope they enjoy looking at it as much as I enjoy creating it. Connecting with others through art is much more meaningful for me than simply making art for myself as a hobby. I hope to be more involved locally in shows and additional galleries.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One of the biggest challenges non-creatives may face in understanding an artist’s journey is recognizing that art is more than just an aesthetic object. It is a form of expression. Art has the power to provoke thought, stir emotion, and even shape culture. It is a reflection of the artist’s perspective, experiences, and inner world, distilled onto canvas, paper, or sculpture.

The creative process is not just about producing something visually appealing. It is an exploration of ideas, a conversation with the viewer, and sometimes a challenge to conventional thinking.

Art has the unique ability to connect people, bridging gaps between different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. It can be a catalyst for change, offering new ways of seeing and understanding the world. By engaging with art beyond its surface, non-creatives might discover new perspectives, emotions, and insights they never expected.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At the core of my creative journey is the pursuit of absolute freedom. The freedom to be myself, to express without constraints, and to embrace individuality. Art is a space where authenticity thrives. It allows me to translate emotions, experiences, and perspectives into something tangible.

My mission is to inspire others to embrace their own uniqueness, to see art not as a set of rules to follow but as a limitless space for self-expression. Through my work, I hope to encourage others to break free from limitations, to trust their instincts, and to find confidence in their own creative voices.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://suzyadkinsart.com/
• Facebook: Suzy Adkins Art
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-lakamp-adkins-od-faao-32209a68
• Other: [email protected]