We were lucky to catch up with Elizabeth Schauer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Elizabeth , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I find imposter syndrome can work its way into any part of my life. Even during my seventh year of teaching art in Mexico I had creeping thoughts of imposter syndrome. Only in the last year I’ve really discovered two methods of actively fighting it. One being meditation, I meditate on the woman I want to be. I see what she does. She is usually painting, with grey hair, and deeply in love with her practice. Feeling that woman inside of me changes everything. I suddenly become her currently. When I get overwhelmed or feel like a child, I remind myself that I am actually her. The second is reminding myself that nothing in this world really matters. No one is watching. I get to choose what matters. In combination those two usually do the trick.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
For the past six years I have taught Art and Design Internationally. Throughout the United States, Albania, and Mexico. It has been a profoundly life changing experience to teach children from all walks of life. Spending two years in Albania made me realize what kind of artist I wanted to be. Most recently my time in Mexico allowed me to build my own program, hire my incredible team and learn more about my own art making process. Taking my students to Frida’s home will forever remind me of the magic of art in Mexico. After leaving education I am working towards my fourth solo show in Mexico City.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities or skills that were most impactful on my journey have been meditation, desire, and choice. These may feel trivial at first however they have all helped me choose to be an artist daily. I get to be a creative person. The desire for that makes the choice very clear.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I deeply love collaboration. With my photography practice it is a simple and beautiful way to take many walks of life and merge them together. Painting is a naturally isolating activity. Photography is innately collaborative. It brings me to life to work with healers. Their stories are powerful and impactful. They seem to be the ones working on the ground to make this world a better place.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bellapaints.com
- Instagram: @bellashepaints
Image Credits
Summer Hokulani
