We recently connected with Lindsay Short and have shared our conversation below.
Lindsay, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I started drawing at a very young age. I still have sketchbooks from when I was seven, that have drawings from when i would set my stuffed animals up into still lifes. Fast forward to high school, I knew I wanted to pursue art as a career, and art school was on the horizon. There was a brand new art high school that had just opened in my community, and my mom took me to interview at the school for a spot in their fine arts classes. My parents were always extremely supportive, and they were able to coordinate a schedule with the art school so that I could continue going to school at my public high school but then come by for art classes twice a week. It was amazing, and I felt like I was living in a dream. My teacher challenged me in ways I had yet to be challenged creatively, forcing us to experiment with new mediums and techniques.
The dream came to an abrupt end when a representative from the Art Institutes came to review our portfolios. I will never forget what he told me, that I was extremely talented but had no creativity. I was devastated. I switched paths, afraid of what a competitive art school would do to my love of art. I was afraid it would take away my passion for creating. So, I decided to go to school for International Development at the University of Idaho instead. It was the best decision I ever made. I worked in Washington D.C, for 6 years following graduating. My work took me to Kenya, Turkey, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and so many other incredible places. But I was slowly getting burnt out and hardened by the development industry, and would find myself staying up all hours of the night trying to get in some extra creating time.
When the pandemic hit, I was living in a studio apartment in DC. I was jaded, extremely depressed, and feeling a bit lost in life. I decided to move back to my child hood home in Idaho, and pursue a career in art. It took over three years to develop my art business, and it definitely was not a straight path, but eventually I got to where I always wanted to be. Working as a full time artist, teaching others to delve into their creativity, and trying to help others find the beauty in their own bodies. I truly couldn’t be happier.
Lindsay, 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?
As a mixed media artist, I create on wooden canvases using acrylic paint, pressed flowers, and resin to create 2D mixed media art, that has the feel of 3D mixed media. The majority of my artwork showcases the female form. Our bodies are ever changing, yet demonstrate strength, beauty and uniqueness throughout each stage of life. Creating these works from a female gaze, highlights the sensuality of the female body while breaking down the idea that nudity equates sexuality. Sharing my artwork has provided me the platform to discuss individuals perceptions of beauty versus societal standards of beauty. I am constantly in awe of the personal stories that people have shared with me about their continuous struggles with body acceptance and love. This is true for women of all ages. My main hope is that I can make artwork that allows others to feel seen and beautiful, as they exist presently.
Adding pressed flowers to my work, just felt like the most natural thing to do. The organic and sensual shapes and lines found in flowers perfectly mirrors the female form. Making them the perfect compliment. When I first started pressing flowers, I mostly foraged what was around me, or would buy bouquets from the store. But I wanted to challenge myself and start growing my own flowers. So in 2022, with the help of a dear friend, we planted our first cut flower garden. It was an exciting opportunity to grow first-hand, one of the most unique aspects of my artwork. It is also the most challenging part for me, as a green thumb does not come easy. Only two years later, I am preparing to plant my third flower garden this summer, and although I have learned a lot, I still have so much more to learn. It’s a process. Currently my favorite things to grow are zinnias, celosia, and wild flower/pollinator blends.
In February of 2023, I started offering Pressed Flower Bar Classes. The idea is very similar to a paint and sip, except swap painting supplies for glue and beautifully pressed flowers. The classes provide me with a way to share a piece of my art process with others, in a very welcoming, non-stressful environment. I truly believe that creating is good for the soul, and that everyone has creativity within them waiting to be tested. Getting to see people surprise themselves with what they are able to create truly never gets old. I hold about four classes a month at various wineries, breweries, and small business throughout the Treasure Valley. Once I started offering classes I was able to quit my part time job, and truly become a full time artist. I am living my dream life.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Community. The community is hands down the most rewarding part of being an artist. Community takes shape in many ways for me currently. It is my loyal customer base who constantly show up to classes, markets, and tell friends about my artwork. It is the businesses in Boise and the greater Treasure Valley area that continuously support local artists through allowing us to use their spaces for classes, and pop ups, and showcase local art work. Most importantly, it is the community of other creatives that I have made since moving back to Idaho. Strong women, who push and challenge me to be the best artist I can be, as well as the best community member I can be. I am surrounded by incredible entrepreneurs, teachers, small business owners, ceramicists, jewelers, painters; the list is truly endless. And my beautiful creative community continues to expand. It is what I am truly most grateful for as an artist.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
It’s simple really. Show up. Seek out the makers in your community and show up for them. Artists and creatives always know what’s happening in the creative spaces in your community. Whether its open mic nights, art markets, classes being offered, author meet and greets. You name it. Seek out events and show up. Actively participate in your community. When you can, financially support your local artists. Buy original artwork instead of art from corporate chains. Support your local indie bookstores instead of buying from online corporations. Stop into your local coffee shop, and simply look at the artwork hanging on their walls. Chances are they are from a local artist. Find them on social media and give them a follow. Do what you can, when you can. I promise you, small things make all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindsay-rae-art.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsay.rae.short/