We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Liora Redman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Liora thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
From time to time, I do have thoughts about getting a regular job—one that might offer the illusion of stability. I say illusion because I’ve experienced firsthand how fleeting that stability can be. During COVID, I lost my side job, and I’ve watched friends face layoffs or live with constant fear of losing their positions. Those moments remind me that struggle exists no matter what path we choose; it just manifests in different ways.
But then there are the moments that make my choice crystal clear. I remember one in particular: I was on my way to my studio after a winter break. It was early morning, and I was excited to dive back into my work. I stepped into an elevator with a stranger and greeted him with an enthusiastic “Good morning!” He mumbled a response, clearly unhappy, and started complaining about how it was only Tuesday, yet he already felt exhausted and hated his job.
In that moment, I felt deep empathy for him. I understood his pain and frustration, but at the same time, I felt immense pride in the choice I’ve made. I show up for my art every day with love and excitement, even though there’s no guaranteed stability. I know what I’m working for and who I’m working for—myself, my family, and the people who connect with my art.
Yes, I’m a strict boss to myself. I rarely take breaks and don’t allow myself days off. But the difference is, I do it all with passion and love. The work might be hard, but it’s fulfilling. It’s mine. And that, more than anything, is why I continue to choose this path every single day.
Liora, 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?
Recently, I reconnected with a friend I hadn’t seen in about seven years. During our conversation, she shared something that deeply touched me. She said she often told her family about me, describing me as someone who knows what she wants, when she wants it, and how to make it happen. It was a powerful reminder of how others see me—brave, strong, and determined.
Many of my close friends and loved ones have witnessed my journey firsthand: from being in an abusive marriage to leaving with two little kids without any financial or physical support, coming out as a queer person, and now building my own gallery while maintaining my full-time artistic practice.
I was raised in Kazakhstan and later earned my Master’s degree in Fashion Design in Moscow. Moving to the United States was a pivotal step in my life—it was a leap into the unknown that allowed me to explore and unbox my mind. Being exposed to such a variety of cultural codes and perspectives led me to delve deeper into my own mind through my artistic practice.
Now based in Miami, I’m not only creating art but also building an artistic community and running my gallery. My vision is to create a space where artists can freely express their deepest thoughts—a place that fosters connection, creativity, and courage. From time to time, I organize open calls for exhibitions that I curate myself. Curation has become one of my greatest joys, as it allows me to shape a space and narrative where art tells stories in ways words often cannot.
As an artist, I understand the challenge of expressing profound discoveries, which is why I strive to provide this platform for others. Through these exhibitions, I’ve met incredible new friends, gained invaluable insights, and deepened my connection to the community.
It brings me immense happiness to create my own art while supporting and sharing my space with other artists. This journey has taught me that art isn’t just about self-expression; it’s also about creating opportunities for others to shine and building something meaningful together.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to see beauty in things that often go unnoticed and to have the capacity to observe life from so many different angles. Creativity allows me to find inspiration in the smallest details and helps me understand the world in ways that go beyond the surface.
Being creative also helps in everyday life. When faced with a challenge or a difficult situation, creativity gives me the freedom to explore endless possibilities and figure out how to proceed. It helps me navigate life with a sense of flow, turning obstacles into opportunities to grow.
The joy of creating is incredibly fulfilling. It connects me to G-d, to the highest power—whatever different cultures, religions, or even atheists may call it. For me, creativity is sacred. It’s a connection to something greater, a moment where I feel aligned with my purpose.
At the end of the day, connecting with my creative self is connecting with the purpose of life itself. It’s a reminder of why I’m here and why I keep showing up to create, explore, and share my vision with the world.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Being a full-time artist and a single mom is the greatest illustration of resilience in my life. Each of these roles—being an artist, being a single mom, or just being a mom in general—is already incredibly challenging. Balancing all of them together is a constant test of strength, perseverance, and dedication.
Supporting my kids on my own, running a gallery, and staying true to myself as an artist isn’t easy. It means attending to all the needs my kids have, from the big life moments to the smallest daily demands, while also facing the hurdles of building a career in the art world. Every time I hit a wall—whether it’s financial struggles, self-doubt, or negative comments like, Liora, just get a job—I remind myself why I chose this path. I’ve built a thick skin over the years, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel anything.
In fact, it’s the opposite. There are moments when I wish I could turn off the feelings, stop caring so deeply about every struggle, every rejection, every doubt. But then I look at everything I’ve built, everything I continue to fight for, and I feel an overwhelming sense of pride. I can feel. I can express. And I can be resilient at the same time.
This journey isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving, about showing my kids what it means to follow your passion with authenticity and courage. It’s about proving to myself, again and again, that I am capable of pushing through every challenge and emerging stronger on the other side. Resilience doesn’t mean being unbreakable; it’s about feeling deeply, staying true to yourself, and moving forward no matter what. That’s what I strive to embody every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lioraredman.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lioraredman/
