Art & Life with Lisa Morales

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Morales.

Lisa, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was introduced to art at a very early age; but, it was on the performing side of the art spectrum. My Aunt was a dance teacher and a studio owner, which made dance a natural first choice for me.

At the ripe old age of three, I made my debut on stage in a little yellow chicken costume. I was hooked! I studied dance for the next 25 years of my life, graduated from the high school for the Performing and Visual Arts as a dance major, and went on to dance professionally in Houston with The Houston Grand Opera, Theater Under the Stars, and several local dance companies.

It wasn’t until 2008, at the age of 42, that I took a drawing class and fell in love with the visual side of art. Design, color, and collage classes soon followed at the Glassell School of Art in Houston, Texas. I remember how those first foundation classes at Glassell turned my thinking about visual art around 180 degrees. Because I was so deep-rooted in the performing side of art for so long, I never even considered that I might be good at anything else. But art is art, and if you have a creative spark living inside you, you must create. Something. Anything.

So, I did what dance had taught me to do. I practiced, and practiced, and practiced. And even though I was “older” (in my own mind, at least) I slowly found my way. Now, ten years later, I have a very nice homegrown art business. I show my work at art shows, I have representation for art licensing, and I am starting to teach art workshops. I’m excited for the future and looking forward to the opportunities that are coming my way.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
There are actually two processes that happen to create my collage artwork. First, I paint and texture papers of all kinds, making mini abstract pieces of artwork with each sheet of paper. By painting my own papers, I have an unlimited palette to choose from that is full of texture and visual interest. My paper collection is amazing!!

The second step is to tear and place each piece of paper individually in a jigsaw puzzle manner to create my main image. Many people who view my work for the first time think it is an acrylic painting. But when they take a step in and get a closer look, they start to see all the pieces of paper. Each piece of paper is different, and there may be as many as 500 pieces of paper in one piece of artwork, so the longer you look, the more interesting the piece becomes.

Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Financial instability as a beginning artist is a given. The first thing I would advise to anyone starting out in this field is to accept that fact. It’s going to be a struggle. Artist needs time – lots and lots and lots of time to hone their craft, to build a body of work, to find their own style, to develop their business side, to get into shows or galleries. It takes a lot of time!! If you are not one of the rare people who are on fire the minute they decide to be an artist, you must accept that it is going to take time. If you know this and you are still willing to do the work, then you will find a way, no matter how long it takes.

That being said, I believe the key to any successful business, whether it be art or otherwise, is multiple streams of income. As a beginning artist, I wouldn’t ask my artwork to pay my bills. That’s not fair to you or your work. Keep a day job, work part-time, consult, teach. There are so many little gems that can make you money. Dog sit! When you have your basics covered financially, you are in a much better place to create. As you become more established as an artist, you might let the day job go, or you might not.

My husband and I run a roof diagramming company out of our home. I participate in seasonal art shows. I have art licensing deals that pay me monthly or quarterly. I have an e-commerce website. I teach workshops. I have work in a galley. That’s six sources of income.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I show my work at art fairs quite often, especially this time of year. I have eight shows scheduled from now until December, most notably Bayou City Art Festival, in Downtown Houston, and the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar in Austin. You can always find my show schedule and my work on my website.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lisamoralesmixedmedia.com
• Email: lisa@lisamoralesmixedmedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apinchofwonderful

Image Credit:
Lisa Morales

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