The Art of Balance: 5 Questions for Lisa Golightly

Ah, the dreamy paintings of Portland based artist Lisa Golightly. They are like foggy memories from childhood… because they are, in fact, foggy memories from childhood!

JC: Hi Lisa! So, your kids are both in school now, but how did you find time to make work when they were little? Did you have your beautiful home studio then? Were you able to get into it?

It was admittedly much harder when they were younger, and I didn’t have a dedicated studio then. It wasn’t until my youngest started preschool that I really dedicated myself to it as a full time job.

JC: What do your daughter (12) and son (9) think about you “being an artist”?

“It’s cool” -Holly  

“It’s neat.” –Ian

Apparently they are of few words. They don’t hold back their opinion of my work though. They let me know what they think, and it’s not always glowing! Their friends don’t either – nothing more entertaining than getting a critique from your kids’ friends.

JC: Do you ever feel “mom guilt” when you’re in the studio?

Not so much during the week, since I pretty much work when they are in school, but if I have a deadline and work over the weekend or nights, I do feel guilty. If I have to miss a soccer game to finish something, I do feel bad, but in the end I know it’s a much bigger deal to me than them. Also, I know it balances out. I’m there for a lot of things I’d miss out on if I had a more traditional job. It’s a give and take, the older they get, the easier it is for me to take a step back and realize that.

JC: Is your work different now, than before your children were born? If so, did he they any influence over that?

Completely. I didn’t really start painting until I had my daughter. I was a photographer. I had always secretly loved painting, (my dad is a painter), but was scared to do it. It seemed a much more intimidating medium to me. But something a photography professor said to me clicked and I got it. “If it scares you, that means you have to do it.” So I did. I’m sure if I really thought on it, I could find some deep connection between that realization of conquering fears and finding passion that came from having children and seeing the world anew.

JC: Do you see your life as an artist, and your life as a mother as two separate things, or do they go hand in hand?

I would say they go hand in hand, more than not. My work is very much about my childhood memory vs. the memories my children are creating and how they influence one another. So if I weren’t a mom, my work would be very different. The actual act of being an artist and my day to day is pretty separate, though. I say that only because I just can’t work when my kids are around. It sounds horrible but I like to be alone, listening to music and sort of just getting lost in it. I can’t do that with them hanging out with me.

Thank you so much, Lisa! We think it’s “cool” and “neat” that you’re an artist too! xo

See you all back here in two weeks with another interview ~ danielle (aka the jealous curator)