We were lucky to catch up with Lindsey Meyer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lindsey , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.

I have been a professional painter for fifteen years. My art has always mostly been abstract paintings. I live in Texas where a lot of my friend’s own ranches that I have had the privilege to visit. I noticed that most of the art and design in theses places were what you would probably imagine – dark and heavy decor with paintings of cowboys leaning against a cactus smoking a cigarette. I thought about how most western art is outdated and cliche. I wanted to create new pieces that were fresh and contemporary, but still had that cool Texas vibe.

I was so intimidated to even start the painting. It was a giant risk for me to step out and paint cowboys because it was utterly different than what I had been doing my entire career. But, what I made came quickly and with ease. I couldn’t believe the outpouring of interest and delight in my new work. It has been a complete pivot, but also utterly successful.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a contemporary painter whose has always loved the arts. Well, when we moved to Dallas in 2007, I was going back to school at night for graphic design. I worked part time for an interior designer and then a stationary company, but in my spare time I would paint for fun to fill all the bare walls in our home. One day a new friend who was a designer asked me if I wanted to come over and paint all afternoon? We painted these big 40 x 40 canvases. When I was finished she looked at me amazed and said, “Oh my gosh, do you want to sell that”? And I was like yes, yes I do. She immediately began placing my art through her design firm. And that was where my painting career started.

Today I am mostly painting cowboy art. I never thought I would be doing this. But, I think it is so important to always be evolving. I want to always grow and be better. I think I am good at seeing a niche and going for it. I think every person longs to believe that we were made to be amazing at something, right? But, I struggle with insecurities like every other creative. But, more than anything I believe that beauty matters more than ever. The world needs beauty and I really really enjoy making beautiful things.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Hmm, it’s really difficult for me to choose just one thing. It is an incredible feeling to see how something that I have conceptualized and made into being is resonating with so many people. That they are willing to save up and spend a lot of money on a something that I made – that is really humbling to me. It is an honor to have my work hanging on walls in the most intimate spaces of people lives. That is very rewarding.

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 don’t know if non-creatives understand how vulnerable it is for an artist to release their work into the world. I work alone in my studio and have these moments of doubt and think, “Is this any good?” I have no one to run ideas by or riff off of. I have really had to learn to trust my inner gut. Sometimes I feel misunderstood or allow myself to believe that people think I am really into myself because I am continuously talking about my work and putting it out there. The truth is that I really dislike all the intentional exposure it takes to run a successful business on my own.

It is so easy to get off track and miss what is happening in our story when we start to look around and compare what we are doing verses other people. I think when that happens we all minimize and doubt our significance – it doesn’t do anyone any good. I used to struggle with this a lot. The truth is that this world is a very dark place. It needs the beauty we create because beauty matters. I think it matters more than ever. If I have learned anything the last few years, it is the power and need for beauty.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lindseymeyerart.com
• Instagram: @lindseymeyerart