We recently connected with Lynda Goldman and have shared our conversation below.

Lynda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

My Illegal Art Story (an act of risk and rebellion)

“You need to be a lawyer to make a good living,” was whispered in my ear almost from the day I was born. My father was a lawyer, and both my brothers ended up following his calling.

But I loved drawing, painting, and coloring doll clothes. I prayed for rainy weather at day camp so we could do arts and crafts, instead of playing baseball. Heaven, to me, was the two summers at a Fine Arts camp, where I painted and did sculpture all day.

I got accepted into law school, but rebelled and chose a Fine Arts program at Concordia University in Montreal. Those were happy days, and I met my husband John in the cafeteria. We got married while I was still in university, and I finished a year later.

Then reality hit with the lack of career prospects. This was back in the day before the Internet, social media or cell phones. Art gallery representation seemed to be the only path for an artist. With dim career prospects, I accepted a job teaching arts and crafts in an old age home. I then worked for a short while in an art gallery, and when my first daughter was born, I started a small business creating wall hangings for babies’ rooms. I poured my creativity into it, and it was reasonably successful. Word of mouth lead to sales, but I was lonely working alone in my basement.

My first and biggest risk was getting a Fine Arts degree, and not being “qualified” to do anything, as my mother always told me. I couldn’t see myself as a full-time artist.

So I got a teaching degree at night, and began teaching English as a Second Language at Concordia University. A fellow teacher approached everyone on the staff with the idea of writing a book. They all laughed at her, saying she would never get published. I was the newest and most naïve of the teachers, and said, “I never wrote a book before, but I’ll give it a try.” That was a risk that paid off. We were approached by one of the largest textbook publishers, and got a contract to write 6 textbooks. They were wildly successful, because they were the first in Canada (where I live). Before that all the textbooks were from the US or UK.

This success led to more successful textbook publications. Then I became a copywriter in the health industry. This led to giving courses on how to write a book, book coaching and publishing. I published over 30 wellness books for my clients.

I have reinvented myself over and over again in my life, each time taking a risk. Some decisions led to more success than others. Each time I poured my creativity into what I was doing, writing interesting activities in the textbooks, and thinking of motivating ways to help my clients write their books.

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?

After years of not picking up a paintbrush, my daughters got me a set of watercolors for my birthday, and my love for paintings was rekindled. I explored watercolors, then alcohol inks, resin, and then acrylics, which I use now.

Painting is always a risk, because you are exploring the unknown. I am always trying out new mediums and substrates, such as my current passion for painting with inks and pastels on raw canvas.

Selling art is also a risk and a challenge. I have sold books, copywriting services and coaching services. These were relatively easy to sell, because people needed those books or services, and the selling involved them choosing me and my programs as their provider.

But selling paintings is a different story. Most people don’t “need” art. It’s more of a luxury item that people forego when times are tough. Finding art collectors is a risk that comes with the territory. Some days I find it disheartening, and other days I’m up for the challenge, because putting paint to canvas brings me great joy.

My driving force is the hope that sharing my art will bring a moment of peace, harmony and joy to the viewer. I also want to use a portion of my art sales to support causes I believe in, such as the environment, and women’s and children’s causes. Risks are part of living life, and I take them all the time in my work.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Creativity is a driving force for me. I always wanted to put paint on paper, or create movement with sculpture, but at times I sacrificed that to make a living. But whatever I did, I found a way to make it more interesting, fun, or beautiful.

Laying paint on paper or canvas, and watching the interaction and flow of colors, always gives me a thrill. I also do a happy dance when someone buys my artwork, because I feel like our souls are touching, and we are forever connected. Knowing that I give someone a pause during a busy day, and few moments of joy, is a great gift to me.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

At this point in my life, I want to give back. I want to share my vision of beauty in the world through my art. I also want to use part of the proceeds to support causes, such as saving trees and the oceans, and supporting women’s shelters in my local area.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.LyndaGoldmanFineArt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynda.goldman.art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndaGoldmanFineArt/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.ca/LyndaGoldmanFineArt/