We recently connected with April Bachman Leonard and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, April thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

A part of me has always known that the creative professional life is my way. Since I can remember, I have admired those leading a dynamic, artistic life and have wished that for myself. I also have an entrepreneurial spirit and a wide skillset. What took a bit, was for the courage and belief in myself to align with the know how.

April, 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 am a multidisciplinary artist who is deeply curious with a playful thirst for knowledge. My business, Begin and Rise Creative, houses the many facets of my creative exploration.

My dedication to a creative way of life began almost 7 years ago while living in Portland, Oregon. I started to explore watercolor painting as a way to help process trauma and grief. During this time, I found an amazing community in The People’s Yoga and committed to a yoga/movement practice for myself. Through painting and yoga, I found my sobriety. Getting sober was what allowed me to, eyes wide open, believe in myself to my core and the courage to step into the light.

I began sharing my paintings openly on social media and with my community. People really responded not only to my work, but to the process behind it. I was beyond thrilled to learn that my story inspired others to pursue a creative practice for themselves. In my small in-home studio, people came over to paint with me. The conversations and healing flow state that was achieved while sharing my space with others was so special. In response, I expanded my offerings to include volunteering and classes/workshops with other creatives. Creating and making in community is one of my favorite things! I have always believed that art is for everyone.

It was during this time that I caught fire with ambition and formally started my business, “Begin and Rise Creative.” I learned Adobe Illustrator, surface pattern design, screen printing, basketry, weaving, natural dying and reconnected with my love of pottery. When I first launched, I offered paintings on a commission basis, original work along with prints and a small line of greeting cards. My goals were to design fabric collections for licensing and to expand my greeting card line.

In October of 2020, I had an emergency abdominal surgery that nearly cashed in all of my chips. Between that and the global pandemic, life was seeming pretty short which put a lot into perspective. My husband, Jacob, and I began dreaming about something different for ourselves. Survival mode turned into action mode. We utilized the equity in our home in Portland to put a downpayment on a house in Tucson, Arizona. The Tucson house was to serve as a space to welcome travelers and share the abundant artist community of Tucson with those who stayed there. We hung local art on the wall and dedicated our social media and guidebooks to promoting local businesses and creatives. I planned on using this space for my own creative process as well. The idea was that I would travel to Tucson during the gloomy Pacific Northwest winter and create my fabric collections. The more time I spent in Tucson, the more I knew it was now actually home. We decided to make the move full-time to the desert. We were so comfortable living in Portland for nearly a quarter of a century. We had established ourselves there. Our friends were like family and our routine was dialed. Was it hard? Heck yes. Was it the best choice ever? Yep. Now that we’ve been in Tucson for almost two years, I realize how much pushing my comfort zone and reaching for big goals is where I belong.

After being derailed from my original path with my health scare, and then moving across the country, I have recommitted to Begin and Rise Creative. I brushed up on my surface pattern design knowledge and began designing fabric again. Moving to the desert has also reignited my love for pottery and having my hands in clay. I am currently working on a line of eco-conscious table linens, accessories and dinnerware for my online shop. I also have the goal of designing a handmade line of utilitarian clothing that is size and gender inclusive. I’m hopeful that I will be selling my creations at markets and in local shops by springtime 2024.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

We, as a society, can insist on accessible arts education for all, foster a culture of appreciation for the arts, establish venues for artists to produce and showcase their work, show up in support and learn how to recognize the value of quality and longevity over mass produced products destined for the landfill. Moving our money to where our values are and walking the talk will make a huge difference for artists and also for our planet.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

My creative practice has been such a bridge in my life. Connecting with and sharing the results of my creativity has greatly contributed to my mental health, given me purpose, pushed me to grow and maintain my curiosity, and given me courage and freedom to express my inner landscape resulting in connection with others. I truly believe that we are all a conduit for creativity. It is innate and a birthright. I encourage you, dear reader, to simply begin exploring your creative voice. I just know you’ll rise and find something sweet for yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beginandrisecreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginandrisecreative/
• Other: www.airbnb.com/h/sonorandesertblossom http://www.airbnb.com/h/cactusbudcasita