We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lynsey West a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lynsey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I’ve always been drawn to creative work, but I wouldn’t change the timing of when I decided to take painting seriously. For as long as I can remember, creativity has been a part of my life. However, the decision to pursue painting as more than just a hobby came at the perfect moment.

Life-wise, I had been a stay-at-home mom for several years, raising my four children, including a set of triplets. Those years were incredibly fulfilling, but as my kids grew and the youngest started kindergarten, I found myself with more time and the right environment to focus on my art. Being surrounded by supportive people who encouraged me and helped me develop my style was crucial. My lived experiences, especially the joys and challenges of motherhood, deeply influence my work.

Had I started sooner, I might not have had the depth of experience or the same inspiration that my life has provided. If I had started later, I might have missed the opportunity to grow my art practice alongside my children and my biggest cheerleaders – my friends, which has been incredibly rewarding. I believe everything falls into place at the right time, and for me, the timing was perfect. My journey allowed me to blend my personal and professional life seamlessly, making my art a true reflection of my life’s experiences.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who I have not had the chance to meet yet, my name is Lynsey West, and I am a contemporary artist based in Dothan, Alabama. My journey into the world of art has been a lifelong passion, nurtured by a curiosity about everything around me. I graduated from Auburn University College of Human Sciences with a degree in Apparel Design, but my true calling has always been in the visual arts.

I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I decided to take the plunge and turn my hobby into something more serious. The timing was perfect as my four children, to include a set of triplets, started school, allowing me to dedicate more time to my craft. I draw inspiration from the world around me, particularly from pop culture, which reflects the spirit of our society. Music, trends, and other cultural influences play a significant role in my work.

I provide a range of creative works, primarily focused on acrylic paintings. I love to incorporate special touches with gold leaf, oil paints, glitter, and other mixed media to add depth and interest. When I do festivals and shows, my favorite part is when new friends visit my tent and light up with over how the bright colors make them feel happy and uplifted.

In addition to creating and selling my art, I also teach adult art workshops and children’s art classes. These workshops are designed to nurture creativity, spark imaginations, and enhance confidence. I believe in the power of art to bring people together and provide a creative outlet, which is why I love to get involved in my local community and support initiatives that promote artistic growth and cultural enrichment in Dothan.

What sets me apart is my deep commitment to personal connections through art. I believe that art and color have a unique power to bring people together, creating a shared experience that resonates on a personal level. My work is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a form of therapy for me, a way to pour my heart and soul into something meaningful. I strive to create pieces that not only enhance your space but also evoke emotions, spark conversations, and connect us all in our shared love for art. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to learn was letting go of my desire for perfection and the fear of judgment from others. As a human in general, I used to be incredibly protective of my work, especially in the early stages. I was terrified of showing anything that wasn’t “perfect” because I worried about what others might think. This fear held me back from sharing my creative process and, in turn, from connecting more deeply with my audience.

The backstory is that, for a long time, I believed that my art had to be flawless before it could be seen by anyone. This pressure I placed on myself often led to frustration and creative blocks. It wasn’t until I started embracing the messy, imperfect parts of the process that I began to grow as an artist. I realized that the journey of creating is just as important as the finished piece, and that sharing my works in progress could actually be a powerful way to connect with others. Now, I see the beauty in the imperfections, and I’ve learned that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the deep personal connections I make through my work. There’s something incredibly special about the vulnerability that comes with sharing a piece of myself on canvas and then watching how it resonates with others. Each time someone connects with my art, it’s like a piece of my heart has found a new home.

The bonds I’ve formed with collectors are truly meaningful to me—knowing that my work has touched their lives in some way is a feeling that’s hard to put into words. I’m forever tied to each person who finds joy, comfort, or inspiration in what I create, and that connection is something I cherish deeply. It’s this sense of shared experience, of knowing that my art has become a part of someone else’s story, that makes all the vulnerability and hard work worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lynseywestart.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lynseywestart
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/lynseywestart

Image Credits

Brittany Windham
Lynsey West