We were lucky to catch up with Liz Vaughn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Liz, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In 2007 I was looking for additional ways to broaden my exposure in the art market. My original oil paintings were being collected, and I felt a greater sense of confidence about presenting and selling my work. The caveat, of course, is that as an artist you can only create so many original pieces. My thought was that printed versions of my work would expand the audience, but it had to be something more than the standard giclee print. I wanted a fresh idea. A friend and fellow artist introduced me to a local printer who used a dye transfer process called sublimation. The initial financial commitment was extremely unnerving, and honestly it was way more of a risk than I had ever taken as an artist. I started with a line of purses, wallets, and dog-tag key chains, each printed from my original paintings. I planned to launch the whole lineup with a private party inviting friends, family and collectors. The night before the event, a friend asked if her parents could come for an early preview as they owned an art & gift shop. To my surprise, they bought so many pieces, it left me scrambling to set up for my launch the next day. I remember sitting on the floor, assembling products, and madly hand-signing each piece moments before the launch party, which was a great success. I can’t remember whether I sold out of my new product line that day, but I do remember celebrating and feeling positively radiant.

I am so grateful to my family, friends, and collectors for the support they provide, and how they continue to show up for me. Risk can be qualified and quantified in many different ways, whether it be a financial investment, or the creative force of stepping outside of your comfort zone as an artist. That very first exposure continues to remind me that whatever you truly believe in is not a risk, but rather an investment in yourself.

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 often talk about beginning my painting career with an “Art For Personal Development” class. Was that truly the beginning, or perhaps just a place to begin my story? Either way, it eventually led me to oil painting, which I consider to be a great love. My work dwells in the loosely interpreted figure, most often feminine in nature. In my early work I often used a palette knife, and applied thick layers of paint in a very gestural and free way. As my signature style developed I began to refine the process, and become more conscious of the narrative I was forming. What I present to the viewer is a character contoured by line and color, assembled from the poetry of words, passionately asking for engagement. In my world, the figure may appear wearing antlers or bunny ears, she may wear an evening gown with boxing gloves, or have a flock of blackbirds nesting in her hair. I love the juxtaposition of objects that you would not expect to see next to each other, seemingly mismatched, yet in perfect harmony. I very much delight in offering an alternate universe, one that is a delicious and delightful space to dwell in.

I am most proud of my commitment to identify as an artist these days. For many years I considered my art to be secondary in importance, even though it was truly the fire in my heart. I believe that the arts are undervalued in our culture, and that we are taught to choose profession over passion. I love finally being able to embrace this freedom of choice. I feel grounded enough to fully explore what excites me as an artist, even if it means making work that is outside of the norm.

I am a full time artist, living and creating from my home studio in Tucson, AZ. You can find my latest work on my website, along with posts on Instagram and Facebook.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Life’s greatest journeys are written and defined within each unique piece of art we create. As an artist, I have been entrusted with those dreams that live closest to the heart. I pull out bits and pieces that tell the story of who we are how we invented ourselves. We are contemporary story tellers, catching time and sifting through singular moments looking for the essence of our language.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

The truth of the matter is that we are all creatives, every single one of us. I recently read this excerpt in one of Yung Publo’s newsletters:

“Talent is helpful but success really comes from determination. Being able to keep going even when you face big challenges is what sets people apart. Even if others may initially have more talent than you, if they cannot face the fact that success is rarely immediate, they will stop working towards their goal. Be aware that the perception of others having more talent than you is probably imposter syndrome playing tricks on your mind. Even if you are not the best at something, if you apply determination, you will eventually develop a great level of skill. Skill that emerges from dedicated practice often surpasses uncultivated talent.”

It resounded so deeply with me, I think it is worth sharing, and taking to heart. Dedication to your practice, no matter what that might look like.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lizvaughn.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizgvaughn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liz.vaughn/