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

Hi Liz, thanks for joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

The biggest, and most surprising, hurdle in my art career has been the amount of internal growth and self-development it demands. I used to think that once I learned how to paint, I’d just paint, people would buy my work, and it would all be that simple. But the reality of creating art professionally has been a deep journey through self-doubt, constant comparison, perfectionism, and sometimes the urge to give up altogether.

I have a tendency to compare my success to others’ and let that turn into self-criticism. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, every painting brings up this inner “dance” with myself—a mix of second-guessing, striving for flawlessness, and resisting the urge to just walk away. Eventually, I reached such a low point that the stress and self-talk actually began showing up in my health.

It took a health scare to finally break that cycle. Coming out of it, I decided to release all the negative self-talk and attachment to the “success” of my art business, and I’ve never felt happier. I’ve realized that I can’t control everything—and that realization has been incredibly liberating. Now, I feel free to create purely for the joy of it and I believe this will allow my business to flourish!

Liz, 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’m an artist who creates work for people who may not view themselves as traditionally “creative” but feel drawn to live a life that’s more colorful, bold, and expressive. My art aims to inspire those who might feel stuck in self-doubt or resistance, encouraging them to let go and embrace a sense of adventure, creativity, and the beauty of imperfection.

Growing up, I had undiagnosed ADHD, which made school a challenging experience, as I struggled to grasp concepts in the same way others did. This often affected my self-esteem and self-worth. However, creativity was highly valued in my family, and I excelled at it both in school and at home. Unfortunately, art held a small space in the traditional school curriculum, which limited my ability to progress at the pace I wanted. Later in life, I made the decision to prioritize art—and that’s when everything changed. The strong response to my work allowed me to embrace my unique perspective fully and freed me from the fear of rejection. Now, I hope to inspire others to do the same.

I offer a range of creative works, from mixed-media paintings that blend abstract and realism in themes of nature, figurative elements, and portraiture, to commissioned portraits of pets, people, and homes. These custom pieces make thoughtful, lasting gifts or cherished personal keepsakes. For commissions, I provide a collaborative experience where clients can specify their preferences for color and style or leave the creative vision up to me.

One of my proudest series is a collection of abstract floral paintings that emerged as I leaned into intuitive, reference-free painting. This series, which expresses my belief in the creative process, allowed frustration and release to guide each brushstroke, resulting in layered works that feel deeply personal and expressive.

What sets me apart is my balance of detail and emotion. I enjoy the precision of realism in certain pieces but also love to create expressive, instinctive works that capture raw energy and freedom through layered glazing and texture. My art isn’t about following rules but about breaking free of them, reminding us that creativity is a journey of discovery, emotion, and letting go.

Through my work, I hope to inspire self-expression and personal reflection, showing that it’s never too late to live boldly, creatively, and authentically. My art speaks to anyone who feels resistance but is ready to step into a more expressive life. Whether through my abstract portraits or detailed commissions, I want my work to remind others to overcome self-doubt and embrace a life filled with color, creativity, and a willingness to explore the unexpected.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There’s this incredible magic that happens when someone truly connects with my art – it’s like they’re seeing a piece of my soul and saying “me too!” Those moments when someone stands in front of a painting, and I can see their eyes light up because something in the work speaks directly to their heart – that’s everything. It goes so far beyond just selling a piece. We end up sharing stories, laughing about shared experiences, and building genuine friendships that started with a simple brush stroke. Those deep, unexpected connections are why I do this. Each person who resonates with my work becomes part of this amazing community of kindred spirits who get it, who understand that art isn’t just about pretty pictures – it’s about being seen, being understood, and celebrating our shared humanity. I’m constantly amazed by how art can bridge gaps between strangers and create these beautiful, lasting bonds. I want more of these soul-stirring connections, more of these meaningful relationships, more of these moments where art brings us together and reminds us we’re not alone in how we feel or what we dream about.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I feel like being an artist is still not recognized as viable profession. I want society to see it not just something nice to do on weekends as a hobby or a luxury for the elite – it’s vital work that transforms lives and communities. I’ve seen firsthand how art breaks down barriers, helps people embrace their uniqueness, and creates connections that nothing else can. Through my own journey from feeling like I didn’t fit in to finding my voice through art, I’ve learned that creative expression isn’t just valuable – it’s essential. When we support local artists, showcase their work, and make art accessible to everyone, we’re not just enriching our communities – we’re giving permission for others to embrace their own creativity and weirdness. By recognizing artists as the professionals and change-makers we are, we open doors for more people to step into their creative power and live more colorful, authentic lives. It’s time we celebrate art not just as a career, but as a catalyst for personal and community transformation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lizperryartist.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizperryartist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artist-lizperry