We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Beth LaPenna a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Beth, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
The gift of creativity has always come naturally to me. Perhaps it was was long weekends spent with my talented grandmother that provided the initial spark. She taught me how to sew and bought my first sewing machine for my 10th birthday. My first Barbie was lucky enough to wear beautiful handmade clothes that rivalled any of the clothes Mattel sold in stores as they were all custom.
She collected antique dolls from all over the world and she made their exquisite clothes with stunning detail. I remember, in particular, a large enchanted castle she made from paper towel rolls, toothpaste caps, rubber balls, silk greenery, matchsticks, rhinestone jewelry, sequins, satin and glitter and lots of gold spray paint. It was so spectacular that it made the rounds of several local libraries for people of all ages to enjoy. She taught me to look at an object most people would throw away and ask “what can I do with this?”
Fast forward to the day after college that I gave up on trying to save the world with my Psychology degree and decided to decorate the world instead! The field of professional interior design enabled me to continue my love for all things beautiful and colorful. After practicing design for 32 years, I embarked on a new career as an abstract painter and collage artist.
Since 2018, I’ve enjoyed a career that has allowed me to explore a variety of artistic mediums and techniques. I continue to find inspiration in simple, everyday things. I’ve never suffered from a lack of ideas. If anything, I now have learned to discern what creative ideas best fit my talent and skills. Here are a few of the ways I keep creativity alive:
1. I explore different art forms by writing poetry, reading art books, photographing nature during my daily walks and visiting museums. I draw inspiration from diverse sources, including art, literature, music, film, nature, science, and technology. Exposure to different cultures, traditions, and historical periods broadens my creative horizons.
2. I have written in journals since my college days. Creative writing clarifies my thoughts, sparks new ideas, and serves as a source of inspiration for future projects. I write a gratitude list every night and that continues to feed my art life. I send a monthly art newsletter to my collectors filled with interesting articles and even an art quiz.
3. I embrace daily solitude by reflecting, daydreaming and meditating. Quieting my mind without distractions helps me stay present, focused and receptive to new ideas.
4. I set aside time for play, laughter and spontaneity. The little girl inside of me continues to be curious, playful and full of wonder. Fun fact: I have performed stand up in front of 200 people and loved it!
5. I collaborate with other creatives. Collaboration offers fresh perspectives, feedback, support and serves to enlarge my world vision.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My collectors would tell you I am well known for my use of color and texture. When I began my artist journey six years ago, my mission was to spread happiness and joy. Today my work is in galleries, retail stores and fine homes.
Marketing my work is one of my favorite aspects of being a professional, full-time artist. The ability to run a successful business comes from my career as a licensed interior designer for many years. I’m grateful for those years of experience. Today, keeping my website up to date, writing monthly newsletters for my collectors, entering shows and exhibiting my art keeps me busy. I find learning and growing as an artist to be the most exciting part of the journey.
Also, donating art to non-profits such as Habitat For Humanity, apartment homes for the developmentally disabled, women in addiction recovery and local animal shelters allows me to give back to my community.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Never give up! Perseverance is seriously underrated. There were certainly times when I wanted to give up in the early years of my interior design career. I never believed my business was going to be in the 80% of all businesses who fail in the first five years.
2. Find mentors/teachers who have what you want – whether it is talent, knowledge or energy. They will boost up when the going gets tough.
3. Don’t listen to your inner critic or your outer critic. If you are passionate about your art or craft or talent, the universe will rise up and support your true intention.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I stop, slow down and BREATHE. I take a walk, talk to a friend and meditate. Nothing in this world is permanent. It took me years to learn this. It may sound trite but whatever you are experiencing right now will pass. And this is true for whatever is good or bad in your life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bethlapenna.com
- Instagram: @bethlapenna
- Facebook: Beth LaPenna
- Linkedin: Beth LaPenna
- Youtube: @bethlapenna.creativearts
- Other: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/beth-lapenna
