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

Elizabeth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

During the pandemic, I partnered with a local community organizer to create plastic signs emblazoned with the word “LOVE” designed as a graphic that people could color with waterproof paint pens and hang along designated chain link fences throughout town. Each week we invited various community members to show up on the lawn of a nearby school, where we provided the plastic signs, the paint pens, and some simple instructions for coloring in the letters. Because it was during the pandemic, we had to set up a mobile art studio, bringing a dozen tables each week to a different location, along with hand sanitizers, extra masks, paint pens, hand wipes, inspiration and positive vibes. I was asked to design the signs, which I did, and most of them are still hanging in their original spots, over two years later. When I see them I am reminded of the simple joy we shared at these meetups, coloring and conversing during a very lonely and stressful period of our collective lives.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My life purpose is to bring joy and positivity to others through the benefits of creative expression. I do this through teaching watercolor classes to as many community organizations that I can juggle, as well as to my own private students. I emphasize process over outcome, and am known for my gentle, supportive, positive manner of teaching and helping others find their own creative voice. I am happiest when I am creating, and this is the joy I strive to instill in others through either a class experience or the viewing of my watercolor paintings.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I most definitely had to pivot during the pandemic. As an independent contractor who relied on many different teaching gigs for income, I lost it all when COVID shut-downs occured. Thankfully, one of my community partnerships was open to moving my classes to a Zoom format. Initially this had a steep learning curve, but within a month I was hooked on the accessibility and efficiency this delivery channel provided. I no longer had to commute and lug my bags of art supplies along with me; and I could easily reach many people at once. It was this pivot that allowed me to truly build my own following of Zoom students, many of whom still wish to log on from the comfort of their homes and take watercolor and nature journaling classes from me.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My studio and virtual classroom are in a very old hotel building that was built in the 1890’s. The heating and air conditioning systems fail repeatedly. In the winter of 2020-21 the heat was out for over two months and I kept hanging in there hoping for the promised repairs to be made. I taught my Zoom classes wearing a stocking cap and fingerless gloves, determined to show up for dozens and dozens of students. I needed them as much as they needed me, I think. In the midst of this cold spell, an unfortunate fire razed the building next to me. The entire community was affected and deeply saddened by this tragedy. There were some dark, cold days and I got through them one by one.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elizabethmhiggins.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth.m.higgins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/e.m.higgins
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-higgins-99b28aba/

Image Credits
Aaron Andersen