Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Richards.
Lynn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I believe all our life, we carry in us part of our small selves. The child who had a wild imagination, the one who was a dreamer, the child who put her nose in a book, who was sensitive to the pain of others. Maybe that small self was a risk taker-the one who kept their parents on their toes. It could be that small self was confused at the outcome of life and wondered daily what was happening-why was life this chaotic, this painful, this confusing? Time goes on and we grow up and older, marching forward, forging a path for ourselves. We can carry through our lives the abilities of the risk-taker, the dreamer. We can continue to dream and see some of those dreams come into reality. But what happens when we continue to carry the confusion and chaos and the pain?
The outcome is as varied as the individual. We tell our older selves that dreams are silly. We ought to toughen up. and carry on. The nose in a book becomes isolation, protection. The risks we take carry far more hurt than fun. We don’t believe there is any value to our unique selves anymore. The blessedness of this life is that, at some point in time, we reach a crossroad and remember. We remember the joy. The small moments of fun. We yearn for those to be true again. How do we get back to that point? For myself, the road back has been with Jesus, therapy and ART. With these comes the ability to trust again, to eliminate chaos, to forgive and give space to myself. The outpouring of this process has had different seasons throughout my life in learning different art mediums. I find myself passionate to share with others the gift of Art Journaling through mixed media. I want to be able to show others there is a safe space to creatively explore and express yourself. I want others to know the freedom and relief and discoveries I have made through art!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was the kid in the family who wanted to pursue art like my grandmother. Unfortunately, I grew up in an absolutely crazy, dysfunctional household and was the “Good Girl” who listened when she was told that art school was out of the picture. I gave up art in Junior College and eventually became a Medical Assistant. Which I hated doing.
Thankfully, I have a husband who supports all my artistic endeavors and I slowly but surely became re-acquainted with art in all forms: watercolor, clay, acrylics…and settled on Mixed Media. I began putting myself out into the art world and was overjoyed at the reception. I have been blessed to be able to teach what I do, sell what I do in numerous art shows and a few galleries, and online. Right now, my passion is to share the gifts and freedoms of Art Journaling. Just think-a safe space to creatively express oneself-what a glorious prospect! I find this especially true during the COVID pandemic and how it is so necessary to have a safe space during these uncertain times.
Please tell us more about your art.
I have shown in different juried art shows throughout the Redlands, Riverside and Orange County areas. I have also been able to show my work in a couple of galleries and stores in the Redlands area. Right now, I specialize in mixed media art journaling and am putting together a body of work around the concept of Home. It will be available online through my website (www.lynnrichards-art.com)in the near future. For now, you can see parts of it on Instagram. (@lynnrichardsart)
I am known for my use of color and expression of deeper issues in my work. I want my work to create a sense of exploring issues of the heart: issues such as overcoming life obstacles, home, and where we belong as an individual. As well as work that brings beauty, inspiration and encouragement into the lives of others.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
By far, my favorite memories are the summer days I would spend with my Grandmother at her home in Carpinteria. She was an art teacher and introduced me to all things in the fields of paint and clay. She truly opened up a lifelong passion for me!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lynnrichards-art.com
- Email: lynn@lynnrichards-art.com
- Instagram: @lynnrichardsart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynn.richards.mixed.media
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