Lucy Thomas, Artist, Lucy is An Artist
At 47, I discovered I could paint. I had always done artsy things… I have a degree in Theatre Arts and went to school on a voice scholarship. I sang and did theatre after graduation but never felt like it was the right thing for me.
In my mid-twenties, I fell into a group of older ladies who had a thriving independent florist business, and they took me under their wing. I loved the creative process of making flower arrangements and worked with them for several years, making florals for big society weddings and events.
When I married, it was necessary to move to another city, and in order to produce enough income, I started working in the non-profit world as a fundraiser. However, I did manage to continue doing flowers in my new place as much as possible.
I have moved several times but always kept my love for flowers in each new place. Almost ten years ago, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes while going through a messy divorce. That's the kind that people get when they are children, and their pancreas just stops working. Not something you expect to hear in your late 40s, and needless to say, it took me some time to accept all these huge life changes.
I was a single mom on a very limited income and struggling to buy the diabetic supplies I needed to stay alive. Then, for whatever reason, when I was undoubtedly at my lowest point, I decided to pick up a paintbrush and started painting flowers. So many things in my life led up to this moment. Even though I never formally studied art, my past experiences gave me enormous inspiration and the knowledge to create art. I also knew my diagnosis made the life I had even more precious. I had to forget my fears and find my purpose.
The painting was cathartic and freeing. I literally painted my heart out, and it saved me. Fast forward to today, and I have an art business that supports me. People say they get a feeling of joy and happiness when they look at my work. Pretty sure that's what it's all about.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
Instagram. The visual smorgasbord of art and fashion and flowers and BEAUTY is spectacular. I am a visual person and being able to see others creations, be that art or gardens or whatever inspires me.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I paint… all day, every day.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
The fulfilment of creating something that brings joy to other people while supporting my family is the BEST!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Don’t stop. As I have gotten older, I’ve finally learned that I really don’t have to please anyone but myself. If whatever you are doing brings you joy and fulfilment, then who cares what anyone else has to say about it. Don’t stop doing something you love based on other people’s opinions of your work.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Ultimately something from inside myself makes me continue. If I don't paint or create regularly, I don't function well in my life. I get down and frustrated. However, I regularly find inspiration and ideas for what to create next from nature and my own garden. Other artists' work is continually Inspiring as well.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
I am proud that I was able to scrape myself up off the floor and reinvent myself at 47 years old. I am most proud of my teenage son who never ceases to amaze me with his wisdom and kind heart.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
In-person.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
I really care about what happens to people and enjoy talking to others about their work, life and struggles. I don't shy away from taking risks with my art or life. People say I am brave.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
You don't have to be like everyone else. I was discouraged as a young teenager from making art because I didn't think it was good enough or as good as what others made. Now I realize that was just my own insecurity and had nothing to do with my talent.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
There are so many! I especially admire single mothers/parents who can make a life they love for themselves and their children. Parenting is hard even when you are in the best of circumstances.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I love to garden… although that contributes to work. I love live music and go to big and small concerts as often as possible. Animals and teenage kids (one son and three stepsons) take up a lot of my free time.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
I think it actually had a positive effect on my art business. More people spending time online and on social media helped. However, I own a flower shop now, which was the opposite. The shop dropped around 30% in sales that first year.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I have had many people in my life help me learn and conquer different things. One in particular sticks out.
I grew up in a very poor county in Alabama. The school system had no art instruction in its curriculum due to a lack of funding. I felt called to help, so I taught High School Art without being paid for a few years. A local artist and retired art teacher were kind enough to let me lean on his knowledge of teaching. We worked together for about 18 months, discussing the curriculum, etc. He loaned me his teaching materials and even taught classes a few times for me. I had never “taught” a day of school in my life and didn’t even know where to start. He was a huge help to me. His guidance was invaluable.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Just freaking do it. Getting started is the hardest part. And after that, if it makes you feel free and good about yourself, keep creating. Art contributes to positive mental health, even if it is just for yourself!
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
The old cliche of a creative career not paying the bills is often true. Really putting yourself into creating can be exhausting. It's easy to get overwhelmed and get a "regular" job.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
Just Do It. For me, starting is the hardest part. Don't overthink it. Just do it.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Hummmm. I am admittedly somewhat disconnected from the world of big business, nor do I follow what happens with their decisions and policies. However, I do try to support companies that do what they can to give back to communities.
I love how the shoe company, Toms, gives shoes away to people who need them. What a simple thing that can be such a huge help to someone's daily life.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
I believe I am the most successful I have ever been in my life right now. I get to create every day, fulfilling me and keeping my mind in the right place. I have a partner that makes an effort to understand me. My son is truly a good person. It's not about money. We don't have a whole lot of that.