We recently had the chance to connect with Liv Garber and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Liv, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve recently started a garden and it has brought me immense joy. I had no idea how quickly everything would grow from seed, to actual growing plants that I water and trim daily, but so far it’s been an incredible journey that has also given me lots of drawing inspo.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Liv. I’m an illustrator/drawer/painter, riso print-maker, educator and devoted pen pal. I use a variety of mixed media like colored pencil, gouache, collage, and digital mediums to create work that revolves around fictionalized diaristic landscapes, whimsical inner worlds, and creating an imperfect yet pleasurable universe where gentleness is rewarded.
I am also a part-time professor at Parsons School of Design, where I teach drawing classes that focus on exploring how work can exist within a 3D space.
In addition to drawing and educating, I also run a small risograph printing press called Pen Pal Riso, and use this print press to fulfill orders from my pen pal club on Patreon, where I send unique riso-printed letters sent with love around the globe.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I think the world saw me clearly before I ever truly saw myself. I was lucky to be surrounded by people who created a space where I could explore my identity freely. I was able to dabble in different interests without feeling boxed in. It wasn’t until my late teens that I finally discussed being an artist around my family. I have never talked about the desire to be an artist with them before, and I expected shock or disapproval, but instead, they just smiled and said something along the lines of, “We’re glad you finally figured that out. We already knew!”
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering is a strange but natural thing. There’s a persistent and annoying myth that artists have suffer in order to make meaningful or high-quality work. I find that idea not only untrue, but also deeply dangerous. While it’s true that many artists have created incredible work while experiencing great suffering, I don’t believe the work is because of the suffering, instead I feel it’s made in spite of it.
Everyone will experience suffering at some point. As an educator, I try to speak carefully about this topic, because I’ve seen how tempting it can be to romanticize or even try to manufacture suffering in hopes of making “better” art. But the truth is, the work is already inside of us. No extra pain required!
That said, hard times can bring perspective. But overall, I think it’s important to keep a steady art practice regardless of feeling. I think most artists learn or need to keep creating, regardless of whatever life may bring.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Creativity matters! Being an artist isn’t easy since creative work is undervalued. I believe that most any art is worth making despite having to push against a climate of that not feeling true all the time.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
It’s hard to say what will and won’t pay off in the future. I am a believer that the little habits and actions we take everyday, even if they feel insignificant, will be of some use in the future. Unless harm is being done, there’s really no such thing as wasted time.
That being said, I don’t really think every small habit or job needs to “pay off” in a traditional sense. The value of what we do day to day shouldn’t have to be tied to an ultimate reward. Of course, we all have material needs that must be met and worked for, but beyond those basics, experimental activities, failures in trying something new, or simply doing things for the sake of joy all contribute to a more well-rounded spirit. Isn’t that the whole point?
However, in some backwards way, developing this sense of flexibility of what it means for something to “pay off” will pay off in 10 years time!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://livgarber.com
- Instagram: @giantpenpal
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