We recently had the chance to connect with Lisa Bramhill and have shared our conversation below.
Lisa, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
About a month ago, I was talking with some fellow artists. One of them works full-time, yet she wakes up early to paint in her pajamas. The joy and passion in her voice inspired me to adopt a similar habit. For the past few weeks, I’ve been starting my mornings by writing in my gratitude journal. Then, I make a cup of coffee and head out to my backyard studio for an hour or two. This has become a special, peaceful part of my day—before the world gets noisy, before I check emails or social media. Even though I sometimes struggle to get myself out of bed, this quiet time has been so rewarding.
Afterward, I go for my usual walk or run with my dog, something I’ve done for years. The rest of my day varies depending on my schedule: sometimes it’s more art, other times I head to my part-time job. While it may seem mundane or boring to others, this is truly the life I dreamed of. I get to paint every day in my own studio.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a visual artist currently living in Northern Alabama. I have always felt a desire to create, but after becoming an empty nester, that urge grew even stronger. It hasn’t always been easy for me to call myself an artist; I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome and self-confidence, even though creating has always been a constant in my life.
Currently, I’m painting abstract works. My paintings are textured, with soft brushstrokes that evoke movement and atmosphere, using contrasting colors. Through these pieces, I explore memories, perceptions, and emotions. My hope is that viewers feel something—a connection between my perspective and theirs. Making that connection is one of my main reasons for painting. I want my art to give people a moment to pause and reflect.
I am also enrolled in the Painting Certificate program at RISD, committed to learning more and becoming a better artist. Taking classes and learning is exciting and so fun for me.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that if you wanted something, it would just happen. I didn’t realize you have to work for your goals and often fail several times. I remember thinking I could just pick up a pair of drumsticks and play without practicing. Now I know: creating art is a continual journey of learning and practice.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
How do I use my past pain as power? For a long time, I saw my pain as battle scars, as reasons I couldn’t achieve things. Now, I use those experiences as inspiration. My decision to try abstract painting helped me release all that past trauma and transform it into something beautiful. Creating art is where I feel most like myself and where I find healing. I grew up in a dysfunctional home, moved around often, and rarely felt grounded—but my art grounds me. Creating and studying art and artists helped me learn that we have more in common than we think. It connects, bridges gaps, and adds beauty, or not; it is powerful. I can’t imagine not creating.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I know they would say my family, my husband, and my two boys. My husband, two boys, and sweet pup mean the most to me and are my biggest supporters. They believed in me as an artist before I saw it in myself.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when painting. I lose track of time, completely immersed in the process. Not every painting works out, but I also need to connect with nature—walks or hikes where I take in the beauty around me bring me peace. Nature feels like my church.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lisabramhillart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabramhill/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084741473125
Image Credits
Chris Bramhill
Chase the Glow photography
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