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

Lydia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

While I was pursuing my degree in studio art I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I found myself in a deep pit of despair and self-loathing some weeks and in others, I felt like I was on top of the world. This entirely disrupted my schoolwork. I struggled so hard with waking up in the morning and feeling motivated. My grades became so bad I was put on academic probation and had to take a semester off. During my time away I began going to therapy. I started taking medication to stabilize my mood and slowly felt better. I wanted to take this diagnosis and dive deeper into what changes I would go through mentally. During my time away, I spent my days painting and deepening my skill. My work thrives on my perception of the world and my experiences. I began to gain inspiration through my struggles with mental health. I believe that since then I have created my most thought-provoking and powerful works. My motivation has changed and my skill has increased greatly. I focus more on craftsmanship and have more hope for my future.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Lydia Chadwick. I am an artist currently located in Charleston, South Carolina. I studied studio art at both Winthrop University and the College of Charleston. Currently, my work as an artist is gravitating toward painting portraiture. However, my main body of work in school was conceptual sculptures based on my perception of life. The only story I can tell through my work is my own. By experimenting with my discomforts and stressors, I can express myself and heal through my work. I am inspired by images that intrigue me, and that I feel connected to. My diverse subject matter allows me to express myself as a painter, sculptor, and individual. As a recent graduate, I am excited to start my career in the art world. I began considering art as a career in high school. I took my first sculpture class in high school, with the greatest teacher I have ever had. She has changed my life forever, molding me into the person I am today. When I decided to go to college for art she was my greatest supporter and still is as I am seeking my master’s. I am proud of myself for following my own dreams and allowing myself time to become my own person. Although I may be currently struggling to find a career in art I know that I have made the best choice.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I feel that the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom I feel when I can express myself. All of my work is for myself. I wake up and create because I want to, not because someone is telling me I must do so. When I finish a piece and I feel proud of what I have created, that feeling is unlike anything in the world. While it is difficult to be proud of everything I create I know I’ve done my best work and I have learned something with every piece I make.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I believe there are many people who simply don’t understand the point of conceptual art or feel it’s value. With my work I can prove that for me it is an outlet. An outlet expressing my personality, my health, and my life. Being so transparent can be difficult and perplexing to those who struggle explaining their emotions. Conceptual art is to make you feel. Good or bad, just to feel. While you work at a piece and feel confused, thinking “I don’t understand this.” That feeling is part of what makes art so special.

Contact Info:

• Website: lydiachadwick.com
• Instagram: artofsleepy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-chadwick-958393233/
• Other: tiktok: artofsleepy