We recently had the chance to connect with Linda Storm and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Linda, 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: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am a wanderer who meanders along a path that unfolds before me, leading me to where I need to be. To trust that process is my biggest challenge, even though it has proven itself to me repeatedly.
In the past I wanted to arrive at Point B from Point A as quickly as possible. I used a lot of my precious energy trying to move boulders from my trail only to find blockages I could not pass. I’ve since learned that I create my path as I wander, and when Wonder and Possibility are my companions, it’s always an adventure. The road may twist and turn, but it is never blocked.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As we all do, I’ve asked cosmic questions. Why am I here? Why do I carry atoms within me that are billions of years old? Why am I able to ask these questions?
Through my art, I carry on the legacy of our ancestors who painted stories on cave walls thousands of years ago. Stories are the foundation of our deepest beliefs. My paintings depict my experiences in nature, my feelings about music, and bring to light glories of the divine feminine. I sprinkle them with a little fantasy, a bit of realism, and some science. Consider them introductions to my mates, Wonder and Possibility.
I believe we each are born with a gift to share. When we are young, we depend on those around us to recognize and nurture those gifts. As adults we must find our own way. Brene Brown said that creativity is essential for human mental health. As we create, we problem solve.
As a kid, I watched my mom miraculously transform each place we lived with her fabulous interior design talents. She also sewed all my clothes (for which I’d pick the fabrics). When I was a teen I chose a heavy green and black paisley brocade for my bedspread and curtains. She didn’t like my fabric choice but supported my decision. She gave me the knowledge that we can change and create the world around us.
My stepdad joined our family when I was 13. He was a gentle, kindhearted man, and an artist. He recognized my talent and gave me permission to use his supplies whenever I wanted. We painted together. He booked my first art show when I was 14 in Lancaster, New York. My artwork sold out. He and my mom built a gorgeous geodesic dome home, because he said, ideas won’t get lost in corners in that house.
My own children are all creative. I sent them to Montessori schools because I loved the curriculum, which included scientific answers to cosmic questions. I even became a Montessori teacher and nurtured the talents and curiosity of my students. I read so many myths aloud that I often told them without reading. I also kept painting, and owned a gallery on Canyon Rd. in Santa Fe, NM.
In 2018, I was invited to show my goddess paintings in Italy, and had to make a choice; teach, or focus on my art. I went to Italy.
I’ve exhibited paintings and installations in the USA, France, and Italy twice now. My grandparents emigrated from Italy, I feel very much at home there. I also recently painted a mural on a children’s school in Costa Rica while flocks of loud and brilliant Scarlet Macaws squawked like dinosaurs over my head., and I gifted art supplies to the students. I sometimes substitute teach at the school where I taught because children are the future, and I care about that very much.
My art life is full. I just finished a self-portrait for an invitational group show in Los Alamos. My daughter titled it: I Have Arrived. My painting She Reveals Another Way is exhibiting at Ghostwolf Gallery in Albuquerque in their Funkadelic group show. The President of the Florence Biennale, Italy invited me to exhibit, which I am planning for in 2026. My art was just featured in Art New York,and I can’t wait to see whats next!
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Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Good times bad times, you know I’ve had my share. My biological father was a drunk. I avoided him by closing the door to my room, and listening to music, dancing, and drawing. My mom was Catholic and divorce meant losing religious respect from the church.
She finally ended the marriage after picking him up one too many times from jail after he caused another bar fight, or another car accident. It is sad that we suffered, but her life, my sister’s (another artist) and mine transformed into a fairy tale after my stepdad entered. They also gave me another sister, who is now an artist. I find gratitude for it all. Everything in my life led me to where I am.
I am surrounded by supportive and inspiring people. My husband is a radio DJ, and a water law attorney for New Mexico. Our friends are musicians, artists, actors, writers, photographers, scholars, and filmmakers.
Our adult children inspire me. We spend a lot of time together even though they live in different major cities on both coasts. We were with our daughters at a wedding in Italy just last month.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For years I lived with a fear of not being good enough. When I first read about Imposter Syndrome I dove into researching it. I definitely have experienced feeling like a fake because my art could not possibly be good enough.
I practiced saying “I am an artist.” until I felt it. I overcame my fear of showing my art by being curious about responses to it. I also submitted my art often, and reasoned with myself that the rejections from curators were not personal. I realized the approval I was seeking needed to come from myself.
I have been given so many enriching opportunities because of my art. I am thankful for my gift and glad I persevered being creative through my insecurity issues. I love to share my art and am thrilled when people relate to it. I have come to terms with the fact that I am a professional, internationally recognized, award-winning artist. Feeling like a fake is an insult to me and to those who collect and exhibit my art. I hope that touches other artists who struggle.
I no longer suffer from Imposter Syndrome. I know that every conversation, every stroke of a paintbrush, every action and reaction I have is worthy. I moved beyond my insecurity by facing it head on, shining a flashlight on it, and questioning the purpose of it in my life. I do not want to be on my death bed thinking I was not good enough. I want to know I did my best.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I am an introverted equal rights advocate and have believed since I was a young girl that the major world religions promote misogyny by disregarding the divine feminine. I paint goddesses that represent the feminine divine to tip the scale toward balance.
I treat every day as a gift, a present, All of my emails end with, How wonderful it is that in a world of 8 billion people we connected! My art is how I convey me to the world.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Every time I am creating art, I am honoring my life, my ancestors and those whose land I live on, my own life and those who love me, the first storytellers, cave painters, musicians who made music with bone flutes, Mother Nature, and all the makers and lovers of the arts alive today.
I also love to collaborate with other creatives. My art has been licensed for album covers, book covers, stage projections, and periodicals. I offer my art in a wide price range, and on many items, including cards, T-shirts, prints, and original paintings. All can be found on my website: LindaStormArt.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindastormart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormartist/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindastormart/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
