We recently connected with Lindsay Purvis and have shared our conversation below.
Lindsay , we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 about 6 years ago and it’s been quite a roller-coaster to get to where I am now. It’s a lifelong journey and I am continuing to grow with the help of loved ones, therapy and medication. I also find my peace through nature, animals and making art. I enjoy making colorful art that makes people smile and the process of making my pieces is therapeutic in and of itself.
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?
I am an artist and the owner of Puzzling Mosaics. I make mosaics out of puzzle pieces (I know, weird right). The idea came to me during Covid in a late night brainstorming session. Since I picked such a niche artform, I didn’t have any references to learn from so this is all self taught. I’ve always been good with color and design and that has definitely helped me along the way.
The most exciting part of this whole experience has been the reactions and facial expressions of market-goers when I tell them my art is made out of puzzle pieces. People get excited when they see something new and different and beautiful, and it makes me smile.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I would say the 3 most important things on my journey were persistence, resilience and optimism. Persistence is crucial especially in the beginning of starting an art business. It’s going to be slow in the beginning, but one must keep going, find different avenues to get your work in front of the right audience.
You’re going to have burnout and mental blocks, just listen to your body and rest when you need to. This is where resilience becomes crucial.
Optimism is probably the most important quality of them all. A negative attitude will impact everything else in many ways. Staying optimistic helps you move forward, find solutions and keep your business moving right along.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I know I previously mentioned my mental health issues, but I didn’t mention my current issues. My biggest issue right now concerns my out of control anxiety. Unfortunately, it effects nearly every aspect of my life and getting work done has become almost impossible. I’ve been working with my mental health team, but these kinds of things take time. I’m still pushing through though and always work whenever I can.
Contact Info:
- Website: puzzlingmosaic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/puzzlingmosaics
- Facebook: facebook.com/puzzling_mosaics
