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

Hi Tree, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

In my forties I’m happier as a full time artist then any other job I’ve had. I have worked all types of jobs from nonprofit to for profit desk jobs, cleaning jobs, and model jobs. I even worked with animals because I love them so much. I thought I’d be doing something good for the world, at least, only to find out that everything is corrupt, everyone is greedy, and would use me up to accomplish their mission. I decided if I put effort and energy into myself and what I can do, I would at least be happy! I have also found as I do what I was meant to do, the universe provides for me.

Tree, 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?

My name is Tree. I am a full-time Atlanta artist painting everything from murals that you’ve seen in the West End, Lil 5 points, Cascade & Pittsburg Neighborhood. My art has been featured in Smyrna City Hall Twice! You have also seen my work on the 3rd season premiere of FX’s “Atlanta”.

I also do custom everything. I have painted everything from a paving machine to shoes, bags, and clothes! My Mom often says if it stands still, I’ll put paint on it!

I sew as well. I make a bag alternative called “Warrior Bags”. It’s similar to a gun holster, but for your stuff. You can carry your keys, cell, credit card and cash. Each of them are one of a kind. They come in joyful colors and many lengths. I also make hot/cold compresses called “Hugs”. They come in an array of fun colors and can be warmed in your microwave or chilled in the freezer.

I enjoy working in several mediums including resin. I make ashtrays, coasters, ruins (with bags I sew) and self-defense keychains.

My newest creations are made from dried paint chips that I have scavenged from other artists, my art, and paint and sips that I have hosted in my studio or other venues. I rescue paint from garages, and I turn them into art on a canvas. This experience provided me the opportunity to do what inspires me most – nature on a canvas.

Most recently, I created a lion out of tree bark, branches, and moss. I will experiment with anything creative.

I feel that you will never know what you’re going to be good at or really enjoy, until you try. That’s why I don’t limit myself. I try whatever interests me. Everything I make is from the inside of my brain, so to make the same thing repetitively in the same medium wouldn’t make sense. My brain does way more things and thinks of more creations and is inspired by more than just one thing. So I can’t limit myself to one thing!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Not every day is perfect as a full time artist! I have made hard sacrifices and been stubborn enough to not want to work hard for someone else again to profit. There are ups and downs. I found early on that the more I stress, the harder it gets. I had to let go and trust I was where I was supposed to be and everything would work out. I was determined.

It’s important to get in as many shows as possible. Enter everything. Do pop up shows, make stickers, give them out to everyone to encourage follows and post everything art! You have to keep pushing. You have to hear a lot of no’s… keep going! I feel like if you want it bad enough, you make a way!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I feel society can best support artists by a simple follow on social media. Take that a step further by liking posts and leaving a positive and uplifting comment. You could even share that post on your own social media with your friends and family. Sharing great art is crucial for artist success. This method costs NO MONEY!

If you love an artist, start a collection of what they are making. Tell everyone you meet.

The more people that see and feel your passion, the more you can connect and the more successful you can be.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Lyiness.Wordpress.com
• Instagram: @Lyiness

Image Credits
@jumpsuitdread