Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Lyons.
Brittany, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been artistic, but I didn’t take my first art class until I was in my ninth grade. During that class, I felt a sense of purpose and artistic freedom. It was my therapy. That year, my love for art was developed and began to grow. There was so much beauty around me to draw creativity. It even led me to take several art classes during my undergraduate years. As my passion for art grew, it was narrowed down to abstracts. To hone my craft, I continued to educate myself on various media such as acrylics, oils, and pastes. Let’s fast forward to 2015. I began to sell my work at festivals, art shows, boutiques and private collectors. It was an extreme boost of confidence to have others deem my work valuable by investing in my work. However; three years later, I’m still a vulnerable artist who is sensitive to my work. I’m learning that vulnerability does not have to have a negative connotation. We are all vulnerable beings in one way or another. I like to use that to inspire and encourage through my work. For instance, I love painting horizons. In fact, it’s my favorite thing to paint. I believe it’s because they always represent change and the opportunity to grow. I believe it’s because of the divinity in nature. I also believe it’s just because it’s a wondrous sight to behold. Whatever the magnet, I take advantage of the excuse to combine paintbrush and canvas to forge my own interpretation. My goal has always been, and will remain, to continue creating pieces that will uplift, give hope and speak life.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have had some mountains and valleys. One valley that comes to mind was a show that I invested in, out of town, I paid for lodging and a hefty participation fee and I didn’t sell one piece of art. Several people admired my work and took my business card, but they weren’t sales. It was quite discouraging. In hindsight, it wasn’t the wisest decision and I haven’t made that mistake again. The main challenge that I have faced is selling myself as an artist. I am naturally an introvert, so the aspect of networking has been the biggest struggle for me. I have definitely grown over these last few years, but there is more growing to do. Advice that I would give to young women starting their journey is to just ask. You will never know how someone responds if you don’t ask them the question. Like my parents always told me, the worst they can do is say no.
Please tell us about Brittany Lyons Art and Interiors.
As I mentioned earlier, I am an abstract artist. I paint encouraging and uplifting abstract pieces for collectors, and I am currently accepting commissions. I love to paint my interpretation of horizons, especially a good seascape, in various colors and with different media. I also have a really popular Gold Foil Collection, where I paint a solid background, paint a state, country or continent on tap of that in gold foil and seal it with an extremely high gloss. Acrylic paint is the medium I frequently use, but I love to create with oil sticks when I have the chance. I paint on canvas and paper. I am also an interior decorator/designer. Lately, I have been working on smaller concepts, for offices and apartments, collaborating with my clients to create bold, elegant, living spaces. I think it’s important to invest in decor just like one invests in a wardrobe. They say, “When you look good, you feel good,” but I say “When your space looks good, you feel good.” You can make your house a home no matter the square footage. I do my best to make sure that each client knows and feels that when they are in their respective living spaces. One of my most recent projects includes a rental property installation in Houston. I only had about two weeks to source items and create the design board, purchase the items and complete the installation. I was proud of my work ethic, including my customer service to the client, the design, and execution of the design concept while staying within the allotted budget and time frame. The reveal makes all of the hard work worth it. I think being an artist and having an eye for color helps me in the field of design.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I feel that there are always opportunities. We just have to know where to look. There are so many organizations and programs geared toward helping women and that can help point us in the right direction. I believe that a woman can do anything she sets her mind to do.
Contact Info:
- Address: Brittany Lyons Art and Interiors
3309 Elm Street, 2E1
Dallas, TX 75226 - Website: https://brittanylyonsart.com/
- Email: beldecorandinteriors@gmail.com
- Instagram: @brittanylyonsart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beldecor/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/brittanylyonsartandinteriors/
Image Credit:
John Bautista Photography
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