An Inspired Chat with Elizabeth Converse of Sierra Madre

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Elizabeth Converse. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I am a writer and painter in my heart and actions. It is my safe place, my home, my creative center.

Each morning, I prepare for my day through meditation and exercise—sacred music, my own brand of movement, sitting with my objectives and commitments. Later, I contemplate the next few days, weeks, and months. Over time, I have developed a pattern: planning my work to start, make, and complete during specific periods. I usually write or paint for several weeks at a time, then take breaks. I don’t work every day of the week. I like to complete writing projects and paintings in series.

I am currently finishing the second draft of a novel, taking notes for a memoir, and beginning a series of paintings of skies and clouds.

This dedicated work time enables me to be present in the other areas of my life—my family, my household, my social life, and my volunteer work. Through practice, I have found that routine keeps me centered and grounded, with enough objectivity to navigate the complex terrain of emotions, psychology, and obligations.

As for many people, 2025 was a tumultuous year. I am grateful for routine.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have been working as an artist and writer since my early twenties. I have never been able to completely commit to one discipline which is probably why I started my creative journey in theatre and film with blended mediums. Just recently, I read that being an artist is the perfect compliment to being a writer. I agree! I find that many of my friends are in the arts, but I also deeply enjoy the friends I have developed with business and professional people. What is interesting about my particular brand of creativity is that I am not only serving myself but I serve my community as an artist and in writing. as my skills translate in journalistic endeavors and aesthetic improvement of cities and town. I also founded a non profit organization and worked in the educational setting with all ages. I am slowly becoming patient with myself and realize that everything that needs to be done will be completed- that life is full, and I have so much to be grateful for. My brand is me I guess. Elizabeth Converse

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Both my parents saw me very clearly and nurtured me. My mother taught me a great deal about art and design, and my father always told me I would need to be a free spirit. He told me that I was brave and had guts and that I would always need my own outlets and do my own work. He asked me several times what I wanted to do in life, then told me to do precisely that and to find a way to make it work for me. My father was my north star and my guiding life, and my mother was a great inspiration to me because she was extremely gifted as a craftswoman and created remarkable things. In their own ways, they both encouraged me to be, very independent person, even though they were sometimes surprised by my choices, I think they were proud that I committed to being an artist.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I came from a family that excelled in business and the professions such as medicine, engineering, and law. It took me a long time to accept and fully embrace my identity as an artist and writer. I believe that term is “imposter syndrome”. I can remember living in SOHO, New York, in the 70’s and walking up and down the streets seeing doors that had “Artist” written on them and hoping and wondering if I was really an artist, and longing so fervently to be an artist, when I was actually a practicing artist at the same time. I was very intimidated by “Artists” and “Galleries’, much more than I should have been. I was educated at a very academic girls’ school and had a liberal arts degree in Anthropology and Sociology, and I was always fascinated by the production of art as ritual. I worked in ritualistic theatre and performed ceremonies whenever possible. Those avenues allowed me to practice artmaking, but the innate identity as an artist came later when I realized it was my main strength, not only being an artist and writer but also an organizer in the arts.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am completely committed to finishing the novel, possibly another one I am working on, and a memoir. I also have a series of paintings that I want to complete. My painting ideas now come as a series. I am very dedicated to bodies of work that I envision and which need completion. I have learned to think smarter about my goals. To stop being so driven and just have faith that I will accomplish what I want. I realize it is important to step away, to open new doors, to meet new people, and have new experiences. It’s not a race or a competition. It’s just my life, fully experiencing the things I want. I learned to build my dreams from my parents and my education, and now I am living them, and I fully believe everyone has that capacity if they have the opportunity. I am very grateful.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When have you had to bet the company?
I may have spent most of my life betting the company. I have always been deeply involved in developing as a person and as a writer and artist. I have always had an unquenchable thirst for self-development and for pursuing creative projects. I always say. Being an artist or writer is not a job but a calling. Some of my peers say being an artist is a curse. Unfortunately, to others, but deeply satisfying to myself, I have accepted my essential nature. I have had to take jobs from time to time. I also founded a company and served as the executive director of a nonprofit organization that delivered literacy and arts programs. As soon as I was able, I always returned to my work. At my home, I am surrounded by my work, and I see nothing better than to try to distribute as much of it as possible to people who can enjoy it for as long as possible. Technically, I am in a golden age, but I feel nothing but the energy to keep creating.

Contact Info:

• Website: elizabethconverse.com. this website is in development
• Instagram: @econverse, @ebconverse,
• Facebook: Elizabeth Converse, econverse, EB Converse
• Other: website is in development

Image Credits
Elizabeth Converse, Eddie Truman, Will Richter