We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Liz Walworth. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Liz below.
Liz, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
In college, I interned for a woman who worked at a gallery. I mostly just did odd jobs and errands for her, so I was excited when she let me include a painting in a show she was curating. Up until that point, I’d only been in school exhibitions, so I was just happy to be a part of it. It was a juried show, and to my surprise, my piece got second place. Getting recognition from fellow artists felt great, and I assumed that was going to be the high point. The following week, I picked up what I thought was an intern-related phone call, but it was actually the gallery letting me know that my painting had sold. I was shocked! Painting is such a solitary and personal process, so it’s always special when people connect with a piece. I’d sold paintings to friends and family before, but this was the first sale that felt professional.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Like most artists, I’ve been making art all my life. I studied painting in college, then in Florence, and after obtaining my BFA from Washington University in St. Louis, I furthered my education with some artist assistant work. This provided a great foundation for a practice that I continue to build on.
If I had to describe the kind of artist I am, it would be versatile and ever-evolving. I’ve done straight-forward portraits for CEOs, stylized portraits for rappers, and sold large figurative works to clients all over the country. Currently, I’m working on a floral and botanical collection. Like the flowers in my paintings, I’m always in flux, flowing, and transforming into the next version of myself.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, working on each painting is like climbing up a mountain. It’s exciting to start, I have to figure out where I’m going, then there’s a point where I want to quit, but I keep going. So when I actually finish the piece, I love just sitting on top of that mountain and enjoying the view. That moment is the reward for me.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I’m far from social media savvy, but on Instagram (and in life), I value quality over quantity, and this has served me well. So I would say, you don’t have to obsess about getting thousands of followers. However, when you get the right eyes on your work and connect with the right people, nurture those relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: lizwalworth.com
- Instagram: @lizwalworth