We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lucy Finch. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lucy below.
Lucy, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My answer may surprise you, because it surprised me – I found clarity in my purpose through menopause!
Every woman has a different menopause experience and mine has been revolutionary. Not only did I have a myriad of physical symptoms – practically every symptom ever associated with menopause – but it was also a creative wake up call.
Before menopause I sort-of drifted through life, going where the winds took me. Creativity was a part of every thing I did but it was more of an afterthought – supplemental to whatever else I was doing. But when menopause hit all of that fell away.
At first it was terrifying because I had no idea what was happening. What used to satisfy me now annoyed me. I felt agitated and restless. Then one day I met an artist, Nancy Lucas-Williams, who taught me Renaissance methods for drawing that blew the doors off all my assumptions around what I was capable of creating. I had no idea I could make beautiful images full of chiaroscuro, “lost” edges, and perfect proportions. And once I understood what was possible there was no turning back.
I found my purpose – creating 2D images that look 3D and which are full of symbology that tell stories about my life, personal revelations, and discoveries.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Now that I’ve found my creative purpose I am focused on making artwork to communicate about my life, my perspective on the world, and my voice.
Before menopause I was somehow blind to the patriarchy despite feeling its impact throughout my life. But when menopause changed my body it also changed my ability to see from a new perspective. Now I’m taking time to reflect on what it’s been to live life as a woman and taking time to research how women have been treated throughout human history.
My journey has taken me to the depths of despair, seeing absolutely nothing beneficial to being female, to the heights of dignity as I learn about the gifts that come with being female.
Part of my path has been taking time to get to know older women as I paint their portraits for my “Rattlesnake” series of strong women from Northeastern New Mexico. Hearing their stories, their struggles, and how they have survived has helped me understand the deeper meaning of being a woman.
My series of portraits is almost complete and I’m planning a solo show this fall where I’ll display all the portraits in a gallery and hold a party to celebrate these amazing women.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
(1) Reach out! Talk with other creatives to find support, inspiration, and network. Along the way find a mentor, someone who can help guide you when you get stuck. You are not alone in your journey, others have walked it before you and many are alongside or behind you.
(2) Tell your story! You are unique and your journey is too. Share it with the world and speak loudly because others may not hear you at first. Persistence, perseverance, and patience are instrumental in finding success.
(3) Stay curious! There are no straight lines in life! Take time to explore all the bumps, nooks, and crannies as you go and never stop learning.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Oftentimes being overwhelmed is actually a helpful piece of information to identify what is truly important. To help get to the root of the issue I ask questions like: What is the thing I’m not able to do that is causing me to feel overwhelmed? Why is that thing important to me? How can I rearrange my day to make time for it?
I’ve also gained a lot of insight working with the Red School (founded by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer) to understand how the female lunar cycle, even in menopause, is designed to include a time of reflection, rest, and quiet which leads to insight and understanding.
Knowing that it’s normal to feel like I want to retreat from time to time has helped me honor it and not fight against it or feel bad about wanting it or feel embarrassed to ask for quiet time. I now understand that taking time to rest is a crucial element for my mental health.
Sadly rest is often ignored, actively dismissed, and even ridiculed in contemporary society.
So, when I feel overwhelmed, I find moments throughout the day to be quiet, breathe deeply, and listen to what I need. Taking that time leads to clarity on what my next step needs to be and provides a little calm in the chaos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mosstudiocr.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mosstudiocr/
- Other: Blog: https://www.mosstudiocr.com/blog
Image Credits
M. Nak Photography
