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

Alright, Linda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Learning the craft.

My creative life has become a beautiful pearl laden tapestry of experience woven from formal and informal education, fantastic travel, generous mentorship and lots of practice over time.

Academically, I studied the basics of drawing, painting and design at Otis Parsons in Los Angeles. Then much later I received a degree in Gemology from SCC and became a Certified Pearl Specialist with the CPAA as well.

Travel and adventure, however, have also been amazing teachers. I’ve visited remote mines in Chiapas and Veracruz, a pearl farm in Guaymas, and countless galleries, archeological and mineralogical museums, art markets and international gem shows in Mexico, Europe and the US, providing materials and endless inspiration for my work. And some killer stories!

And honestly my greatest mentors have been the bold, brave, “down in the trenches” working artists who have appeared on my path when I most needed them, teaching me how to do everything you can imagine that you don’t learn in school, from quitting my full time job to setting up a booth, and everything in between.

But the greatest learning of all in perfecting my craft and finding my voice has been from the act of making the art. Day by day, the work evolves. There is no substitute!

What could I have done to speed up the learning process?

Time is an illusion. What’s most important is to focus daily on producing work that resonates with your soul, and then sending it out into the world. Remember that becoming successful as an artist is a slow drip. One creation at a time, one post at a time, one newsletter at a time, one event at a time, one collector at a time. Drip, drip, drip. But before you know it, your cup runneth over.

What skills are most essential?

The most essential skills are the ability to become ever more clear about the work that makes your heart sing, and then the diligence in finding the tribe that resonates with that work. Oh, and to maintain your sense of humor. You’re probably going to need it!

What obstacles stand in the way of learning more?

The only real obstacle that stands in the way is the thought that you can’t do it.

Linda, 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?

How did I get into my industry?

I always knew my artistic soul was crying out to be heard, and I began studying art and design shortly after moving to Los Angeles in 1984. Working full time in an office job through the 80’s and 90’s, juggling work and raising a family, I dabbled in finding my voice as a painter. I finally joined a women’s art group in 2007, where I learned how to begin showing and selling my work, and two years later my creative world opened wider yet when I was introduced to jewelry design.

Following an inner voice that became too loud to ignore, I took a giant leap of faith and quit my office job in 2012, embarking on a new chapter.

Further enhancing my knowledge with a degree in Gemology in 2016, it became more clear to me than ever that I wanted to know A LOT about pearls!

I have been buying pearls for about fourteen years now. They are my passion and I always choose the pearls for my designs in person, traveling often. I look for unusual shapes, tantalizing colors, and that something special that just calls to me. I need to hold the pearls in my hands, see their luster and surface quality, feel their weight, and listen to the sound they make when they clink together. They definitely still make my palms sweat and my heart sing.

Once home, I combine my pearls with precious and semi-precious metals, and create simple, elegant jewelry designs that can be worn with anything from a white tee shirt and jeans to your favorite little black dress. Mostly I like to let the pearls do the talking.

Pearls also appear frequently in my paintings, whether they’re adorning a Sea God or Goddess in one of my colorful Mixed Media Paintings, or draped in a window display in Venice in one of my Pen & Ink and Gouache Sketches.

I have even been sewing real pearls to add texture and dimension to a very special limited edition of Embellished Giclee Prints that I’ve been working on recently. I call them jewelry for your walls!

What sets me apart is my ability to weave this common thread through multiple mediums, bringing a cohesive style and distinctly feminine energy to my work. I feel that there is a peace, beauty and serenity that is palpable when you come to my table.

I’m most proud to say that I’m now celebrating 11 years as a full time self-supporting working artist, completely loving what I do!!
I still do many events in person, where I can both connect with returning collectors and meet new ones as well. I also have a presence online where you can view and purchase both my wall and wearable art.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

You don’t choose to be an artist, it chooses you.

What I mean by this… Artists don’t do art just because they want to do it, they do art because they have to do it! It’s in their soul’s imprint. And if left unattended, their soul’s whisper becomes a cry. I learned this lesson loud and clear through my own experience.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

So… what can society best do to support creatives?

Encourage artists to create their art. They came here to contribute in this way, and the more they step into their purpose, the more joy they will feel, which will be reflected in their work. This raises the vibration of the whole planet!

Acknowledge the time and energy that goes into creation. Value their work as you would value anything that brings you great happiness. If it’s jewelry, notice how it makes you feel when you wear it. If it adorns your home, notice the way you smile when you look at it. Soak it in. Recognize its importance to you.

Then support that artist however you can. Buy their work with love and gratitude. Be proud. Because in taking this action you are keeping the arts, and the artist, thriving.

And why, again, keep the Arts thriving? Because Art (and Love) make the world go ’round y’all!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lindaqueally.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbylindaqueally/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.queally/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-queally-92485172/
• Other: https://linda-queally.pixels.com/

Image Credits
Linda Queally, Lalo Rocha