Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lindsey Dunnagan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Lindsey, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I always loved making art, but it was hard for me to lean into as a career. I was encouraged to be creative for fun, but was told to choose a more practical career. My family knew art was a hard field, where making a secure life seemed rare. I understood their warnings; I also wanted security and independence. I spent a lot of my free time drawing and making things, but when it came to a career, I sought something more traditional that seemed creative: architecture. However, after going to college for architecture and interning for a large architecture firm in Texas, something didn’t feel right. I missed art and felt like I never really gave the pursuit of that dream a chance. I realized that I was lucky because I didn’t have restrictions like family obligations or a mortgage holding me back. I knew it was the fear of financial insecurity that kept me from giving art a chance. At that point, I still wasn’t ready to pull the trigger, so I went on an adventure and joined the Peace Corps. As luck would have it, they sent me to work with artisans in Morocco for two years. After that experience, where I learned a lot about how to make do with less, I decided to give the career of art a chance. I told myself if it didn’t work out, I would go back to architecture, or another field that seemed stable. Now, 13 years into the future, I get to be creative every day in my home studio and with the art students I teach. I have shown work around the country and belong to many public art collections. Making art and educating are both very fulfilling.
Pursuing art had many difficult moments, but it always felt right. Perhaps that is how you know your purpose. I am grateful that I gave my dream a chance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am an artist who uses diverse techniques to explore human interactions with the natural environment. My work connects people to nature in small ways and large. From an intimate view, I tell stories of home and identity. On a larger scale, I investigate our spiritual ties to nature. My work is an investigation of micro and macro personal connections and a reminder of the space we traverse. I am mainly a painter in oil and watercolor, but I also work with fiber and resin. Currently, I’m working in another creative field: writing and illustrating children’s books. My first book is “The Best Cheese” and you can find it online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Courage: I don’t consider myself to be especially brave, but I did have to fight against my desire for comfort and security to pursue art. I went back to school for art and worked three jobs. I didn’t always have enough of what I needed, but somehow made it work. My advice is that if you find something you love, it’s worth pursuing. If it doesn’t work out at least you won’t live with regret.
Tenacity: During the times when money was tight and I was hitting a wall in the art world, I still believed I had something valuable to contribute. I also knew that over time, my skills would improve and my network would grow. Years and years later, I am doing the work I dreamed of doing, like large-scale artworks for public collections. If you love it, stick with it.
Allies: This may be one of the best things you can gain in your journey. I have been helped by countless people over the years. When I was in graduate school for art, I met my peer group, some of whom I still seek artistic feedback from. I also had professors who believed in my work and helped me get into shows. As I moved and worked in creative fields, my group of allies changed and grew. Being plugged into your creative community enriches your life and helps you get to where you want to go.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents encouraged my creative expression in every form it manifested. I liked to paint, draw, and build things out of cardboard as a kid. At one point, my dad’s entire music room was filled with cardboard houses and little clay furniture and people I built. Even though my parents did not see art as a practical career path, they encouraged me to spend time doing what I loved. When it came time to find my own way in the world, I was so grateful for those early years of play.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindseydunnagan.com
- Instagram: @lindseydunnagan
