We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lianne Jedeikin goldsmith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lianne, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I’ve often wondered about what has enabled me to tackle the diverse projects and careers I’ve experienced throughout my life. Looking back, I realize I chose roles at work that I was clearly underprepared for, embracing challenges with an overoptimistic ‘I can do this’ mindset, even when caution might have been more sensible. Interestingly, each situation offered me a new learning experience that enabled me to reach higher.
What I do know is that my parents played a significant role in shaping this attitude. My mother, an artist, achieved remarkable success in business through sheer determination, creativity, and boundless confidence. My father, in his unwavering support and unconditional love, instilled in my siblings and me the ability to confront challenges head-on.
As I have matured, I’ve had the privilege of learning from remarkable mentors who continually inspire me to push my limits and I have come to understand that with increasing knowledge and skill, life’s journey needs constant reevaluation and nurturing.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I was born and grew up in Zimbabwe, moved to South Africa in my teens to study, and then made the big move to the United States in 1989. I embarked on my first artistic adventure when I opened Accentrix Design Studio, where I led a team of talented artists painting murals for the Hollywood set and crafting functional furniture and hand-painted ceramics that gained recognition nationwide.
For the next couple of decades I focused on raising my two daughters and redirected my creative energy to the nonprofit sector. I developed a mentoring program for youth living in foster care and years later, I am now with an international non-profit organization, and am so honored to be doing important work.
About six years ago, I rekindled my passion for painting and underwent a transformative experience studying with Zhenya Gershman. Her deep understanding of painting and generosity of spirit as a mentor continue to motivate me, and under her guidance, I revived my creativity. I am thrilled to say that, I’ve sold a significant number of paintings.
My first series of paintings, ‘In Their Memory,’ draws inspiration from vintage photographic images from Southern Africa made during the 1960s. To explore the enduring impact of colonial paternalism, I used vintage wallpaper from that era as my canvas upon which I painted figures of domestic workers and their children.
My current body of work, ‘Goddesses and Gargoyles,’ blends different artistic mediums to capture the intriguing balance between the fiercely protective gargoyle and the sensuality of the inner goddess. This is a creative journey that keeps me inspired, and I’m loving every moment of it and constantly learning. I am planning an interactive art exhibition that will include a drumming and talking circle with audience participation.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My journey is a story of dreaming, determination, continuous learning, and the transformative power of embracing the unknown. These are the qualities that come to mind when asked.
What does success look like? Success over these many years for me has been measured by who has accompanied me, who has taught me, and who has ultimately inspired me to continue every day. I value honest mentors who provide wisdom and perspective that accelerate my development. These people show up in many forms.
In terms of advice, I know that not all gifts are wrapped beautifully – and they can be hidden. Don’t move too fast. Look for the magic in stillness even when it feels scary. Listen to the voices and sounds around you. Ask questions when things seem unclear. Ask favors from people who you know who want to support you. Stay in community. Don’t wait for special occasions to celebrate your work. Show it to people often, with humility and delight.
I have welcomed many people who have different lived experiences into my life because of my painting, and these relationships have given me an abundance of joy and inspiration. I don’t know what I’ll paint tomorrow, as most creatives would attest, and that mystery alone is cause for a desire mixed with anxiety and a trust in the process itself.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
My main challenge is neglecting to follow my own advice. I get caught in a place of frustration rather than recognizing the joy of painting. To counter this, I remind myself to stay connected with my community, enter my studio regularly even when it feels daunting, and approach my artwork with kindness.
Recently, I finished a painting that, while technically appealing, lacked heart. After months of hesitation, I entered the studio, leaving self-deprecating thoughts behind. I opted to paint with oil sticks, unconventional for me, and let loose—making bold marks, layering and scraping paint. Eventually, I used my hands. The result was a new painting radiating hope.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.liannejedeikin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liannejedeikin/
Image Credits
Alon Goldsmith
