We were lucky to catch up with Elizabeth Vanderliet recently and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Three simple statements, all of them when first uttered, were acts of courage for me:

I am a Certified Rolfer.™
I am an Artist.
I am a Certified Quantum Energy Practitioner.

They each represent a different stage of my life, requiring one crucial thing: a deep belief in my passions and the willingness to take a risk.

When I approached my parents for support to attend the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute (http://www.rolf.org/ ), I had no idea of the richness waiting on the other side of that request. I was post-university, and this was completely different from the B. S. in Graphic Design & Photography I had earned. I remember the evening well; I made them dinner in my tiny studio apartment and proceeded to sell them on the topic. I am shaking my head, recalling the whole evening. My mother was a “hell yes,” and my father kept eating,  unsure what to ask me about Rolfing. Though I felt utterly committed to the energy of this new direction, it took all of my commitment and then some to complete the coursework.

The process, entirely different from university, entailed residential training  where I left my income earning and moved to Boulder, Colorado, to be immersed in the coursework in 12-week phases. It’s hard to recall everything now, but it was hard. Due to unforeseen events, I finished the last phase of study in Brazil. What I encountered learning and doing the work was life-changing—and that has continued for the past 25 years.

Taking that one risk was  the gateway, leading me experientially to my two greatest passions; creativity and human potential. Art and energy, these two topics always bring growth and expansion into my world. Just talking about them lights me up!

Elizabeth , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Born in Evanston, Illinois, I am the fourth of five kids. My family moved to Northern California from the Midwest while I was still in diapers. I attended The Children’s Preschool at Mills College, my mother’s alma mater.  At four years old, my progress report read, “Beth spends most of her time  at the painting easel.” I have spent a lifetime navigating back to that easel.

After attending CAL POLY, San Luis Obispo, earning a B.S in Graphic Design with a concentration in Photography, my athletic achievements spurred me to follow my passion for health and human potential, and I went on to study Rolfing® Structural Integration in Boulder, Colorado and Sao Paulo, Brazil. As a Certified Advanced Rolfer™, I have assisted others in achieving comfort and improved athletic performance. What I cultivated for myself with mental and physical alignment  was a stillness. From this stillness, I returned to the easel and, ultimately, the healing potential of art. The healer and artist are now united in expression and passion.

What I am most proud of right now is integrating my energy work with my art. I’d be telling only half the truth if I didn’t say this is the most vulnerable thing I have ever done. The offering is Quantum Art. After delivering an Energy Reading to a client, I create a painting from the images and messages. The painting is a physical reminder to inspire them to stay aligned with their path.  I feel overjoyed to incorporate everything I have studied over the last 30 years ; my work as a Certified Advanced Rolfer®, my deep love of painting, and most recently, the Quantum Energy work. I don’t think that the entrepreneurial artist could have come any earlier in the timeline of my life because I didn’t have the personal fortitude that I have today that allows me to put my art out into the world.

Elevating energy in my clients’ lives is what I love to do. We all have good and bad days, but building the resiliency to withstand the changing tides of our lives is powerful. In my art courses, we talk about brain wave  patterns and the energetics of consciousness. I teach how to tap into creative energy. The Energy Readings I do are for curious clients who seek an overview of their energetics to assist them on  their path in life. My paintings are my life made manifest in color and composition.

Doing my art and the Quantum Energy work, I feel aligned with my purpose. It’s a balancing act as sometimes I get lost in the business of the art, but that’s not where the joy is found—and, well, balance is overrated. It’s a flow of taking care of business while always doing the art. Creativity is so much more than a single act of making something. Its curiosity, receptivity, and a bit of magic  all in fluctuating quantities. Art is in my blood, art and creativity. Painting is my passion, studying how we affect our lives with our energy is my purpose.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I apply the same dedication that got me to the finish line of the Hawaiian Ironman to my art and energy business. Train, rest, repeat! My journey as a creative has been everything but a straight  line. I’ve looked at people who seemingly connect their passions in life easily and wondered how they do that. Magic happens when you keep taking action and exploring the things you love.

Connecting the dots backward puts a big grin on my face. I get to use every thing I have studied in what I do today. Easy? No, it took perseverance. It’s an ongoing exploration of both art and energy. I love all of it because it invigorates my soul.

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?

When I read non-creative, I feel like someone just sucked the air out of the room—life without creativity is like a death sentence. The hurdle for a non-creative is thinking they aren’t creative or can’t be. Those folks that say they can’t draw a stick figure. Being creative isn’t a singular event reserved for artists; it’s a way to approach life. As Brené Brown says,” creativity is the birthplace of innovation.” Creativity is necessary and cultivates meaning. Creativity is fun and brings play into our lives which makes us better people. New ideas are born when we get creative. Additionally, it breeds an appreciation for creativity in others.

When I go to a fine restaurant to experience delicious food, I don’t taint every bite, thinking I could never cook like this. No, I savor and enjoy and languor in the flavors. That’s what I hope for folks when they have a piece of my art! To sit back, experience it deeply, and enjoy it.

Onlookers may think that creating art is easy, sometimes yes, sometimes no. Like any vocation, it is something to improve on and grow in experience. The struggle for non-creatives is thinking that play and creativity are frivolous or a waste of time when it is life-affirming. It opens neural pathways for imagination and innovation. It’s essential for everyone. I would love to help all “non-creatives” experience this joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elizabethvanderliet.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_vanderliet/