We recently connected with Linnea Hodson and have shared our conversation below.

Linnea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories 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?

Moving through this world as a creative and artist has brought me the most joy I’ve ever experienced. My journey as a creative person has taken me down many paths — trying on a “regular job” for size was one of those paths. For nearly 3 years, I was a part of the corporate world, working a remote marketing job. At the time, I felt that role would give me the financial freedom to pursue my art in the ways I wanted. For a while, it served that purpose. I worked from home, I was able to work on side projects here and there, and the paychecks were steady. But after a while, I felt the creative spark get dimmer and dimmer. The long hours of sitting at the computer…using my imagination to generate sales for a large company…limited time off…it wore me down mentally, emotionally, spiritually, even physically.

Finally, I just couldn’t take it anymore. I left the job and moved into a creative lifestyle. As an artist, I love it when each day brings something different. It could bring new connections, or a wave of inspiration that turns into a painting, or the chance to just get up and dance. Creativity is free-flowing, and it thrives when we give it the space in our daily lives to flow through us. It’s an essential part of my being. While the life of an artist is not traditionally “stable” as it would be with a typical job, the freedom, autonomy, and happiness I have experienced in building my own creative life are unmatched.

Linnea, 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?

Born and raised in Michigan, I began taking art classes at age 7. There, I gained a solid foundation in all mediums of visual art: charcoal, Prismacolor, acrylics, oil paint, you name it. Over the years, my artistic style has evolved with the seasons of my life. Initially, flowers and the natural world were my subjects of choice. Later, I found peace in the creation of mandalas. But it wasn’t until my life hit a major turning point that I fully came into my unique vision: abstract realism that blends the spirit realm with our waking lives.

At age 25, I was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. Overnight, my world came to a grinding halt. Through my recovery and healing process, my world bloomed in a way I never imagined possible. I gained the power of extrasensory vision. I began to astral project and regularly visit worlds beyond our own. Since then, I have delved into the world of spirituality and healing arts: meditating, practicing energy work, studying bodywork therapy, and simply following the call of my artistic intuition. All of these modalities come together to mold my creative vision through a connection of the mind, body, and spirit.

Now, my work is primarily focused on large-scale acrylic paintings and murals. We are deeply energetic beings, and I love to translate those experiences through color and shapes. This art is more than aesthetically pleasing. My hope is that it guides those who view it into a deeper state of wonder about themselves. There is much to be discovered in our own inner worlds, and my art is a vessel for that curiosity.

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

In my experience, one of the hardest things for non-creatives to grasp is the subtle art of detachment. Simply put, my journey will not always make sense (even to me) — and that’s okay! Not everything needs to be logical or made sense of. Living the creative life means the free-flowing energy applies to everything: what jobs I take, my daily activities, and even my pay schedule. The biggest shift from a “regular job” to the creative life was the long-term stability. As an artist, the paycheck does not arrive on the same day every 2 weeks. And I recognize that having that sense of safety is something that many people crave and even need. Whether you’re a creative or not, I invite you to loosen your grip on controlling every aspect of your life. There is so much possibility in the unknown. You never know what beautiful things may enter your world when you allow it the space to do so.

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

The goal of my creative journey is to invite exploration — which goes for myself and those who resonate with my art. I aim to help deepen the relationship that each one of us has with our own mind, body, and soul. So often, we get wrapped up in the day-to-day frenzy of errands, work, chores, social lives, phones, etc…less and less time is being spent simply with ourselves. Bettering ourselves, discovering the depths of ourselves, connecting to what truly drives us and lights us up deep down. I hope that my creative work guides people into a more connected state of being, both with themselves and others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.linneahodsonart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linnea.stardusthealer/