We recently connected with Lynnette Driver and have shared our conversation below.

Lynnette, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve been creating as long as I can remember. I was so fortunate to have an aunt as an elementary school art teacher. She recognized my passion and encouraged my creative dreams. My parents also helped inspire me in a myriad of ways with private art lessons as a young child, buying SO many art supplies, and furthering my dreams by financing my degree in fine arts at a wonderful liberal arts Elmhurst University in the Chicago suburbs. There I was taught by amazing professors who also were a part of the Chicago art scene. I saw artists making a living with their art. Such an inspiration!

Lynnette, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As I mentioned earlier I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember. Whether drawing, painting, crafting tissue paper flowers, sewing all my Barbie’s clothes by hand, or making candles (I was a whiz at the banana split candle, figuring out how to beat the wax to form whipped cream and using my hands to form the ice cream scoops and cherry on the top. My mom smiling and shaking her head the whole time.) my passion has been using my hands to create something.

During college I had an advanced painting class in which I could decide the style of art I wanted to delve into. I chose abstract art and have been passionate about it ever since. After graduating in the mid ‘80’s I had a thriving business painting abstracts. At the time the only way to grow your business was word of mouth or applying to galleries. The gallery process was pretty intimidating to me so I continued marketing myself. I also had a job as a corporate account representative at a large printing company. After marrying and starting a family, I decided I wanted to be at home more so I became more focused on painting murals. Back in the ‘90s they were all the rage and after painting my kids bedrooms and many other walls in my home (my friends would joke that with all the layers of paint on my walls the rooms were actually getting smaller) I started getting requests from clients. The murals took me in a whole other direction. Mostly working in an impressionistic style I painted jungles and fairy gardens, speeding trains and an airplane with a real propeller. I also sold landscapes and LOTS of pumpkin and pear paintings in Chicago area decor shops . Once my kids were headed off to college my art career went in a different direction. I had an opportunity with my sister to start a children and teens birthday party business. It was a joy to share my love of art with children and spark their creativity. I continued my art studio business until moving to the mountains of Western North Carolina, outside Asheville.

Moving to the mountains inspired me in ways I couldn’t imagine. I was immersed in nature, surrounded by forests, streams and waterfalls. I started painting for myself, something I really hadn’t done in years. I had always painted to make money. I began painting expressionistic abstracts and abstract landscapes using my mountain view for reference. Friends became interested so I started painting more. Before I knew it I had a thriving business painting abstracts. Over the past eight years, I’ve been in galleries through out the south (something only dreamed of in my younger years), been featured in magazines, and have collectors around the US and England. I have collectors see a painting that immediately resonates and they have to have it as part of their collection. I also love working with interior designers and clients to create a custom painting to perfectly complete their space.

I feel so blessed to have had a successful career all these years by following my creative dreams.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I suffered severe trauma from non family members as a young child, resulting in PTSD, severe depression, severe anxiety, panic attacks, addictions and DID. Art is what has helped me survive and thrive during all the years of recovery. Because of the DID (dissociative identity disorder) my mind formed different parts (personalities) to handle the pain. Some of these parts are children and love to paint and create. That’s why, I believe, some of my current abstracts have such a whimsical quality about them. I also think it’s what allows me to paint in so many different styles. I don’t lose time or act or dress differently, but I do think my art represents the different facets of my personality. My art is actually a large part, probably the most essential part of my therapy. I think because of all I’ve been through I have gained resiliency and perseverance. I see this manifesting in my art today. When working on a painting I just won’t quit. I will paint layer after layer until I believe it’s just right. I also have that attitude towards building my business. I won’t stop. If one direction isn’t working, I can easily pivot. I have a confidence in myself and my art that I didn’t have in my younger days. All the years of facing my fears and moving through them has brought to a place I once could only dream of.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I am passionate about helping others, particularly those struggling with mental illness and addiction. I share my story so others struggling can see there is a light in the darkness. Life can be fulfilling. I also love donating paintings, particularly to children’s charities, to give thanks for all I’ve been blessed with.

Contact Info:

• Website: lynnettedriver.com
• Instagram: @lynnettedriver
• Facebook: lynnettedriverfineart