Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lisa Denison. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lisa, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping creativity alive for me today is a balance of blending the past, present and future. It is a fusion of where I came from, where I am in the moment, and what dreams I have left to share. Creativity began very early for me as a coping or escape tool during my childhood. When growing up in a rural area, with very little entertainment options, no shortage of bizarre and kooky real- life characters, one creates their own stage, dwelling, or magical, secret place to travel to. In my earliest memories of childhood, I always tried to find a way to transform something unpleasant or upsetting by reinventing it in my mind. Blending what was with what I wished for and visualizing both occurring simultaneously supplied me with an endless amount of creative material. I used to feel sad and as though I was harboring a deep secret past life, but when I started painting what I had stored up for decades, (which I later deemed my “Mindscapes”) there was a huge sense of release. I stopped caring about positive affirmations from others regarding my art, and decided it was about time the Genie was let out of the bottle. The good news is, I have an endless supply of genie bottles! Lastly, I believe keeping creativity alive involves being able to see the extraordinary in what most deem ordinary.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My Art career began a few decades ago with a BS in Art Education. I have taught Elementary School Art in Richmond Virginia, Middle school & High School art in Norfolk Virginia, and I currently teach Adult Painting classes at the Compass Art Center in Kensington Maryland where I earned my Masters in Painting. There is something very special and honorable in teaching Painting. I have learned after decades of teaching all ages, that people perceive and receive information uniquely. I have taken workshops with phenomenal artists that are horrible teachers because they lack the ability to deliver the instruction in more than one way. Although I teach fundamental techniques, color theory, compositional elements, etc. what I try to foster in my students much more than that. My primary goal is to awaken something in my students, to share my passion for the creative process, and help others unearth their own source of creativity. Being a narrative artist, is my unique offering to the students in my classes. I try to tap into helping people find who they are as painters by teaching people to develop an individual creative process that works for them. In the end, it all comes down to the physical practice of painting, putting in the hours, and the mind’s creative process working simultaneously.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
If I were to narrow it down to what qualities had the most impact on my artistic journey, I would say curiosity, intent, and perseverance. Being curious, and a “collector of resources” has served me well. I have a sketchbook for ideas, drawings, notes, quotes, and anything that I see or think about that draws me in. It is interesting to me how many students come to class to learn how to paint that have never drawn or own a sketchbook/journal. Listening to podcasts, visiting local art galleries, visiting museums, art shows, perusing thrift stores and flea markets all shaped me. I collect images of paintings, objects and photos that I take and make notes on what it is that draws me to them.
I believe Intention is key in a painting because it is the voice. It is not just about planning a painting, but more about the purpose. When someone writes a letter, as opposed to sending an email, the intention is different on so many levels. I recently found a letter my mother had written to me when I was away at college. It was folded up neatly inside of a Hallmark card printed with the image of a watercolor flower garden. Seeing her carefully written words made me visualize her in younger years. The garden print on the front of the card reminded me of her flower garden and I know she chose that card with that intention. It moved me emotionally. I do not believe an email with an e-card would have nearly the same impact. I view my paintings as hand written letters and always ask myself why I am painting what I chose to paint. My intention is everywhere; the palette, composition, brush strokes, the signature. It all matters.
Chugging along, knowing that not every painting is going to hit the mark, but eventually one will become a standout is how I keep myself going. I recently lost 15 of my cherished paintings in a fire. I have heard the saying that grief never leaves, it just changes shape. It has taken almost a year now, to process the loss and move in a new direction, but I am persevering, and I find that my recent paintings are also changing shape as my intentions guide my paintbrush.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I grew up a rural area and my parents lived very simply. We did not have much, so as children, we often made our own entertainment. We would put on shows in our basement, make up games, play the piano, ride our bikes to old abandoned farm houses and sneak inside to explore. My father loved to go on walks in snowstorms (which I still love to do to this day). We would build imaginary homes in the woods. I suppose we were ‘free range’ kids with very little supervision and a sense or wonderment. I believe my parents gift was their love for us, but also their lack of worldliness. It created intense curiosity, a thirst for knowledge, independence, and a sense of wonder for what might be considered ordinary for others. My parents most impactful thing that they did for me was demonstrate their pride of me and commitment towards my dreams. Having emotional support and being loved is a thousand times more valuable than gold.
Contact Info:
- Website: Lisadenisonart.com
- Instagram: Lisavdenisonart
