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

Hi Lindsey J., thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I have written a children’s book on imagination. I’m in the process of final edits, and will illustrate this book which is essentially a poem that provokes the ability to imagine beyond the senses, a melodic cadence painting a world of fantasy and possibilities of what could be if only one imagined ever so boldly. It is my first book- the creation was unexpected, purely inspired and I gratefully see it as a gift not only to me but to the children that will read it when completed. I do not consider myself a writer or even an illustrator, but just as the words flowed to me and through me, I know that the images are soon to follow as this dreamy project unfolds.

Lindsey J., 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?

I’ve grown up in the creative arts since my earliest memories as a child. I was always making things whether it was writing or acting in a play, a dance routine, collaging with found objects, or painting; my world was made using my imagination to entertain myself and those around me. I was an apprentice to a professional artist by the age of 9 or 10, and enjoyed assisting, learning, and partaking in hand thrown pottery, sculpting on a wheel, and playful painting on canvases. As a teen I continued to create and make things and was subconsciously aware I was a vessel for creation, art allowed me to be more of myself -not trying, but being, not imitating, but allowing.
I practiced dance, painting, theater, acting, photography, majored in film and video during college, and then I formed my fine art business and went back to the easel where I found more freedom and joy in the unexpected of what might I be inspired to create each day. My primary discipline now is painting- (in most mediums), making collages, and most recently writing a children’s books.
I work in series, in order to keep myself entertained and free flowing. I have several working series now that range from representational botanicals, primitive parade scenes, to very contemporary, abstract collages.
I have worked with galleries, art brokers designers, and collectors from around the world and my favorite part of my job is entertaining each project independently from past ones, working with new people and creating something that someone can enjoy hopefully for forever.
No work is ever the same, just as it’s collector. I approach each project to the specific needs for a commission, and for gallery or studio works, each piece within a collection can stand alone or complement others. I use the finest materials sourced from small batch makers across the globe, and strive to make conservation art. I travel quite often as a source of mega inspiration for my work. I took a trip to the Red Sea in Egypt for illustration inspiration for my book, and most recently finished a six month residency in Paris for a new collection of paintings, The Paris Collection.

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

I think supporting as many artists, artisans, makers, and craftsman is ideal in helping maintain a thriving creative ecosystem. For example when someone collects my work, they are not only supporting me, but the 4th generation family business in India who makes the paper I use, the small batch artisans who make the paints I use, and the framers that frame my works, and so on and so on. If I need picture rails for a gallery wall, I do not go to a mass manufacturer online, but to the local blacksmith in my city. I love to support other artists and connect with people in all trades. I think there are those who feel and think this way and try their best to support the arts in this way and then maybe there are some that don’t, but we definitely need it. It’s important to feel connected to each other not only in business, but morally. Know who you’re buying from, and collect and support what you love.

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?

I’ve had many businessmen and women tell me they are not creative and this is a misnomer. I think everyone is creative, no matter their position in life or occupation. All fields of work and practices even outside of the arts take creativity to operate. I believe creativity is a divine, innate gift bestowed upon everyone, and its enhanced with use, practice, and allowance.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lindseyjporter.com
• Instagram: lindseyjporter

Image Credits
Photographer for my portraits uploaded: Graham Yelton (www.grahamyelton.com , IG: graham yelton) All other photos were taken by me or my team, no credit necessary for those.