We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lisa Hilton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lisa below.

Lisa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

In my 40s, I made a decision to study and pursue art. I didn’t have any notion of what that would look like, but I knew I wanted to develop my natural abilities while expanding my critical, historical and conceptual knowledge. Earning my BFA required that I complete an internship with an artist or art organization.

Outside of art, I knew my skill set and work ethic was more than adequate. I had left a career in actuarial science to raise children and manage my husband’s business accounting. I had taught pre-school and been a very active volunteer. I was worried about my age. Would an organization award an internship to me? Would they prefer someone who had committed to the arts on their first go around? Would they see me as a stereotypical bored housewife who was looking for diversion?

I approached Cultural Festivals’ then executive director, Cindy Lerick. Cultural Festivals is a NFP that produces the St. Louis Art Fair. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it is one of the top art festivals in the country. When we met, I thought I would have to talk up my organizational skills, my work ethic and my determination. It was such a relief when I didn’t have to do any hard selling of myself, because honestly, it makes me uncomfortable. Cindy and I chatted while she looked over my resume. As I voiced my concerns, she reassured me that my age didn’t matter. For her, it was an asset. As a former engineer turned festival director, she understood me on so many levels. Her example of collaborative and inclusive leadership resonates and guides me this day. Her words of personal encouragement have had an empowering influence on my goals and direction as an artist.

Tangentially to my internship, I participated in the St. Louis Art Fair’s emerging artist program, Cindy Lerick’s creation. The depth of knowledge that was shared was remarkable, and my mind exploded with the possibilities of how and where I could show my work. The mentor artists shared freely of their practical knowledge on packing, booth development, and sales. They also provided pointers on applications and artwork image techniques. Any time I meet an emerging artist, I encourage them to apply to the program. In the end, a participant will decide if festivals are fit or not. They will also appreciate artists and the organizations that host festivals on a new level.

Lisa, 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?

My route to becoming a clay sculptor has been long and circuitous. I have been compelled to create in a visually artistic way since as far back as I can remember. Because I was good at math, I studied and worked in the actuarial field. That choice, although gratifying on many levels, didn’t address an unarticulated, deep-seated need. When my husband and I decided to start our family, I threw all my energy into the domestic endeavors, accounting for my husband’s business and volunteering.

When my children were in high school, I contemplated my next steps. Of all the possible choices, art was the only one that reached into my soul. I returned to college and earned my BFA. Touching clay felt like coming home. Its various stages of development provide an endless array of challenges.

Currently, I am creating ceramic sculptures based on the human figure.
I am fascinated with the complexity of people both physically and emotionally. Individuals have such unique combinations of characteristics related to physical traits, natural talent, motivation, belief, and fear. Added to these innate qualities are familial, educational, and cultural influences. The complicated and mystifying interaction of these various influences are simply amazing. I am awed by the multitude of possibilities for individual thoughts, ideas, reactions and perceptions. The outcomes increase exponentially when grouping two or more people.

The intersection of personal perception and human body language is fascinating. I enjoy discovering how gesture impacts a viewer’s concept of a piece. I spend a great deal of time experimenting with texture. For me, surface variation and texture are expressive avenues for depicting the layers of complexity and depth inherent in every person.

My collectors are drawn to the emotive quality of my pieces. I am often told that it reminds them of an aspect of their life or relationships. I sell both my original work as well as take commissions. I believe in a collaborative process in commissioned work providing me the opportunity to more deeply understand the needs and vision of the client. I strive to create a piece that brings our collective ideas to fruition. I sell my directly through my website and at various festivals.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

What is my mission, my goal? I am sure I am not the only visual artist that struggles with articulating a concise version. I create because I am compelled to create. My soul would be starving without it. But why must my creations leave my studio and go out into the world? I believe it is because it affirms that the physical objects that result from my thoughts, plans and skills have reached another. Primarily, I aim for connection. I also aspire to foster conversation, collaboration, contemplation, and education.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I would like universities educating studio artists to include in-depth information about the various paths for a successful career. I had an extensive finance background and understood legal, tax and accounting nuances, but many graduates do not. For their sakes, I would advocate for more information on various business structures and accounting methods. I had the misconception that I needed to do all the various roles of my small business.  I wish I had allocated resources to hiring experts in areas that fell out of my skill set.

As I look back, I regret that I didn’t receive encouragement to invest in myself. I needed to hear that I didn’t have to be an expert in every aspect of my small business. In the last year, I have finally hired an amazing graphic designer and social media marketer. She has elevated every level of my marketing and held me accountable for my responsibilities to my brand. It is a collaborative relationship that has provided a positive focus.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lisahiltonart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisahiltonart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaHiltonArt

Image Credits
Strauss Payton (For image of Lisa Hilton)