Meet Linda Queally

Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Queally.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2012, my internal alarm went off in a big way. Time to follow my dream. With both kids tucked safely away in college, I quit my full-time office job, moved out of my apartment, put everything that would fit into a 10’x10′ storage space, and sold or gave away the rest. My partner and I hopped into his 1991 Toyota Previa Van and embarked on a four month journey to kick off my shift from cube life to artists life.

During those four months, I photographed and blogged my way through Mexico, winding through the back roads of twenty-one states. I visited mountains, beaches, museums, bullfights, mining towns, and so much more. I risked my skin. And with it my spirit opened up. I was re-introduced to me.

Upon returning to Los Angeles, I have spent the last five years learning about who I really am as an artist. Drawing from my formal art and design training in the 80’s, my life training in travel and photography, and my recent training in gemology and jewelry design, I have found a way to translate my diverse background into my life’s work.

It has come to rest in my deep and abiding love of water. There it is manifested in the form of Mermaids, Surfers and Swimmers, of Oceans and Swimming Pools… and it is dotted with Pearls, gifts from the sea. It’s a symphony of paintings, photography and jewelry, all with a healthy dose of love, passion and magic thrown in. I work events every weekend, and If you come and visit my table, you will feel the vibe.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has not always been smooth. I didn’t always make good choices. I didn’t always set good boundaries. I didn’t plan well for how to manage my money as a self-employed artist. My savings evaporated. I went into debt. I financially and then emotionally hit bottom. What did I learn from this?

I learned to ask for help. And that when you do, real life angels appear.

I learned that when you are completely confident in your work and determined to succeed, others feel it, and get behind it. And they become inspired to overcome their own obstacles. Because if I can do it, maybe, just maybe, they can do it, too. That feels amazing.

And I learned that being a successful full-time artist is comprised of many parts, only one part being talent. It is most definitely right brain, left brain. First off, the largest part of all is a great passion for your work and the absolute decision that you will not give up.

Then with that belief firmly in place, you can navigate the logistics of how to make it work. Creating the art, finding the events, making the spreadsheets, paying the bills, sending the newsletter, doing the social media, seeking out your angels. I have enormous gratitude for my team of angels! Without them I would not have been able to make the great leaps I am making now.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Art by Linda Queally story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in all things water. I paint mermaids and swimmers, I photograph beaches and surfers, I design jewelry with mermaids and pearls. I love to travel and bring back unique beads and items that relate to this theme.

What sets me apart is my ability to work in three mediums around my passion. I honestly don’t love one more that the other, and I can’t imagine only having one on my table. The photography, the paintings, the jewelry, the story all intertwine.

I am most proud of the stories that I can tell you when you come to my table. Of the places I have visited, of the experiences I have had on my journey as a working artist. Of the great passion, I have for my work. Of how I have found the work that will fulfill me for all the rest of my days on this beautiful planet.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe we create our own luck by being open and ready, and I am a very lucky lady.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lindaqueally.com
• Phone: 818-585-2640
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: artbylindaqueally
• Facebook: Linda Queally
• Other: artbylindaqueally.blogspot.com, fineartamerica.com, lindaqueally.etsy.com

Image Credit:
Natalie Queally
Lalo Rocha

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.