Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lynn Richards. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Lynn, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
In High School, I was bound and determined to pursue art. After all, my grandmother was an artist, I had been told I had much potential, and, most of all, I was happiest when creating. While in Jr. College, I took several art classes and had a lot of success with my creations. However, when I told my mother I wanted to pursue art, the “NO” boom was lowered. In my rather largely dysfunctional family, I was the one who did what I was told and so began the pursuit of a career. Or not. I dropped out of college as I was so disappointed and frustrated and eventually found other work that I thought would be deemed more suitable and successful than being an artist. However, during that time, I pursued classes for watercolors, ceramics, and did any number of crafts I could get my hands on. In my forties, my husband nudged me toward more art classes and I ended up discovering acrylic paint and mixed media. Before I knew it, I was invited to local art shows, and continued pursuing art more and more. I’m 61 years old now. (HOW is this even possible?) I have been blessed to be in juried shows, art galleries and sold my art online and in some local stores. Now? I enjoy gathering women and teaching different art techniques. I encourage them to find freedom in art journaling, exploring, making messes with paint and giving themselves permission to have FUN and learn. It is honestly, my greatest joy. Do I wish I had started my creative “career” sooner? Absolutely. I wonder what would have happened if I had gone on to get a degree in art. I don’t think the years have been wasted one bit, but I wish I could go back and tell that 18-year-old self to be bold and brave like I tell the women in my classes today and pursue the freedom that I have always found in art.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
The years have brought me to a true joy and passion in Art Journaling. I see it as a safe way to creatively express one’s self. There are no limits or boundaries in Art Journaling and I have found that it has been proven to release endorphins, clear brain space and give more self esteem. I spent years in art shows and a couple of galleries, but found that I was working more to please the buyer than I was working to pursue what brought me joy. Doing art shows is no joke and so much work. During Covid, I found myself online on Facebook, providing weekly lessons in different art techniques. What a joy to bring this to others during such a painful and difficult time! The community was amazing, the conversation was uplifting, and it was fabulous to see people create and be so pleased with what they learned.
Now, I am able to teach monthly art lessons out of my home studio. Talk about a dream come true! I love entertaining, I love our home, I love sharing what I learn and gathering women to encourage them. I teach layering techniques, simple painting techniques, I stretch them by having them spray water, drip paint and collage. Anything I do in an Art Journal can be done on a canvas or piece of watercolor paper!
Here are a couple of the best things my students have told me: “I didn’t realize how MUCH I needed this time.” “I know all we are doing is gluing something right now, but it is truly nourishing my soul.” “I have been looking for new friends and feel I have found some.” “I have never had someone explain or talk to me in such a kind way.”
When I utilize my God-given gifts and share what I know and have I am most fulfilled. I have expanded to provide Art Journaling with a local homeless ministry. It is beyond my comprehension that I would be able to do this and be so blessed and learn so much in return. I am also excited to venture into Online Classes and YouTube videos and being able to offer the beauty of creativity to an even bigger audience.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I mentioned I wanted to pursue art in college. I clearly remember the day I told my mother that was going to be my choice. She panicked and told me I could not in any shape or form do this, because I would not make any money and be able to support myself. My studies should be in something to do with computers. My family background is enough to fill a book, so the spark notes are that I was the one in the family who did what she was told…except I never pursued computers, I quit college. BUT. I never, ever quit pursuing art. It came in many forms: set decor for school plays, costume designing, painting my home, redoing my fireplace surround, art classes at different places around town, showing my children how to make art and have a blast. Paint parties, craft days, wreaths, puppets, you name it.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I have found that women in particular do not give themselves space to create. From believing they are not “artistic” to thinking they had to “put away the crayons when their kids were done with that stage”, my goal is to turn these beliefs around. I want to show women they are valued and they are worth the time they give themselves to pursue creativity. As they pursue that creativity, I have seen self esteem grow. I have seen talent take off. I have seen community being built. This alone is reason enough to continue what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lynnrichards-art.com/
- Instagram: @lynnrichardsart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnrihcardsart
- Youtube: @lynnrichardsart