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

Alright, Lia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I love being an artist and a teacher but sometimes I wonder what it would be like if I had taken a different path, one that could offer higher earning potential. When I vocalize this to friends who have “regular” jobs, they often tell me they wish they did something like me, something they are passionate about. I feel very intense fulfillment from teaching art and I am obsessed with making it, but it can be difficult to navigate monetizing art. Creative people aren’t always financially savvy so it can be a struggle. How do I price my art? How do I go about selling it? I can make it all day but the next step is daunting. Creatives can sometimes get lost in a culture obsessed with capitalism. Not to mention, teachers aren’t valued in our society even though they have a huge impact on our next generation.

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

I am a visual artist who works with everything from paint to collage to clay. I specialize in acrylic and aerosol landscape paintings but I still like to make things with a wide variety of materials. Lately, I’ve been making jewelry out of found materials like silverware and soda tabs. I love to make art with a deeper message about protecting our environment which is a current that runs through all of my work. My recent paintings are depictions of a post apocalyptic earth that is void of human life.
I teach high school art so I get the opportunity to learn new things all the time and steal ideas from students. Just kidding. But I do get inspired every day which is one of the many reasons I love what I do. Art is something that keeps me grounded in the sense that there is always something to learn and I think as adults, sometimes we forget that. We should always strive to grow and evolve. We have to admit that we never have it all figured out and that is the exciting part of life.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

We should all support the local artists in our community because they depend on us to keep the creativity alive. For example, there is so much incredible local live music in Austin that most people aren’t aware of and every time I see a new amazing band, I feel so alive. We should support each other and encourage others to access their own inner artist in whichever way they see fit. Having a creative outlet is one of the most amazing things we can cultivate as people and without our support, creativity can’t thrive.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My main goal is to make the world a better place, as cliché as it sounds. My art has a message that we should take care of our planet because that ensures that we are taking care of each other. My goal as a teacher is to motivate and inspire others so that they can communicate their own message as effectively as possible. I think the meaning of life is to spread joy in whatever small or large way we can, sometimes smallest shifts can leave lasting impacts. It can be making someone laugh who is having a rough day, or it can be helping a student get into their dream college. Either way, helping others is one of the best things you can do for your own happiness so it’s always a win-win!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://liapoliti.com
• Instagram: liapo.jpg