We were lucky to catch up with Trini Liska recently and have shared our conversation below.

Trini, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.

The best boss I ever had (and, seasonally, still do) would have to be Ben Armstrong, co-owner of Netherworld Haunted House. I’m very lucky to be able to call myself a Netherspawn. Ben has always taken the time to encourage my artistic pursuits, and on occasion will hire me for art projects within the haunted house and for personal art pieces. Not only is Ben a creative himself, he is a very eccentric, funny man and throws a helluva Tiki party!

Trini, 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 Trini Liska, or better known as The Asylum Countess! I am obsessed with Halloween, horror, the occult, and lately I’ve become a bit infatuated with the world of D&D. My work has always been influenced greatly by the world of spooks, even as a kid you could find me up in my room, doodling the night away. Not much has changed–rather, I’ve just evolved to be spookier. Kind of like a Pokemon.

My fascination of Halloween has carried me throughout the years to land me here, a freelance artist based in Stone Mountain, GA.

Right now I’m dabbling in sculpting small things, as well as using mixed media on canvas, such as (but not limited to) paper clippings, fabric puff balls, glass eyes, human teeth, etc.

I believe my work stands out because I take creepy-cute to a whole new level, incorporating elements from the haunted house realm into my work which often also contains glitter. It’s intriguing to look at something weathered to look rotten and ancient with elements of adorableness to make you go “ehhh?”.

I also really enjoy creating horror dolls by refurbishing the abandoned ones you might find at a goodwill. Let’s take it from wholesome to horrible!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

It’s very funny, my doctor actually cannot wrap his mind around why I pursued art as a career, so I’m used to this! I honestly believe you either have it within you to be a creative, or you don’t. It’s a gift, (in my case, genetic) and there is this visceral urge within me to CREATE.

My Mama always said she knew I’d be an artist, as I always making SOMETHING. So, when you have the need to MAKE, you just DO. It’s a calling, an urge, a necessity.

People, at this point, will usually go “but aren’t you broke?” and of course, the answer is yes. The look on their faces of concern is always amusing, however, I manage to make ends meet most months.

I genuinely HAVE TRIED to fit into the regular world. I’ve worn many hats, but none of them fit me quite right, you see. So, while I may never have a billion dollars or own my own storefront or even have my art on display for a solo show in NYC (ugh, a dream), I can rest easy knowing that my work pays the bills and that strangers on the internet also seem to think my art is cool!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I would say there are many things that make being an artist worth-while, but some of my brightest moments of joy is when people who follow my work on social media take the time to come out to my art shows! It’s very flattering and humbling when an individual approaches me to praise my work. Those moments of kindness honestly means so much–words cannot describe.

Contact Info:

• Website: etsy.com/shop/theasylumcountess
• Instagram: instagram.com/theasylumcountess
• Facebook: facebook.com/theasylumcountess