Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Sposito.
Hi Lynn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a young child I’ve been called to be creative in some way! Whether painting, drawing or writing, most of my inspiration has come from spending my childhood out in nature. I’d often be found lakeside or near a waterfall or babbling brook, sketching, taking photographs or writing poetry. These experiences would become the foundation that I would long for and return to after a winding journey of life and wisdom. I put my art on the “back burner” to raise a family and returned to it full time after caring for my Mom through her Alzheimer’s journey, raising my kids and traversing divorce.
During last 8 years, I returned full force into my art. I’ve enjoyed online recognition with my artwork both Internationally and locally.
My artwork, “Sunset, Wine, Sublime”, was showcased on a Jumbotron in NYC courtesy of HMVC Art Gallery along with an awarded solo show.
My artwork “Against the Odds” resides in permanent collection at a gallery in Athens, Greece. Most recently, my artwork “Innocence Lost” found it’s forever home through an annual fundraiser with MOSS- Make Our Schools Safe, honoring the lives lost at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. It’s truly been an honor to have my original vision reach fruition and the families affected by this senseless tragedy.
( www.MakeOurSchoolsSafe.org )
For the last two years, I’ve been an artist in residence at The Hub Gallery, New Smyrna Beach, FL and I’ve recently relocated to Jacksonville, FL to be closer to my daughter, son-in-law and grandson. I am currently setting up residency as an artist here as well. The art community here is so welcoming and I’m looking forward to becoming more involved as I get settled in!
Alright, 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?
The road for me has been long and winding! It’s difficult sometimes not to compare myself with others who are working as professional artists. I feel like I’m always playing ‘catch-up’ while living a very full daily life!
After my divorce 15 years ago, I thought I’d dive headfirst back into my art to make it a full time career. That’s when my Mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and that turned into an 8 year journey. Being a single Mom threw it’s challenges at me as well- as my children were (and still are) my priority!
Balancing the art/work/family dynamic is an everyday effort. Life happens! Especially now that I’m a grandma and recently moved to be closer to family- I have to be very intentional to make time for my art.
I feel like I need to live to 150 to accomplish all that I still want to create and experience! The years have provided me with treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration. With that, I’ve developed a vast language (that is still emerging) that I desire to interpret and vocalize in the form of visual art.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Over the years, I’ve created and taught a full Fine Arts curriculum for home schooled children. I’ve also taught ‘paint and sip’ classes, STEAM based children arts and crafts and private one on one classes. With abundant gratitude, my artwork has been jury viewed and sold worldwide. I’ve received special recognition, solo shows and I have been an Artist in Residence at The Hub Gallery in New Smyrna Beach, FL
I work in (and am known mostly for) what I call “Painted-Mâché”. I paint on tissue paper and then cut or tear it depending on my intended design. This form of creativity allows me to use bold shapes and colors with a somewhat abstract feel. Then I layer that tissue paper and add markers, paint or other material to the mixed media to create a unique visual work of art. I’ve ventured into becoming dimensional with my work as well and am working on some new techniques to add to my visual voice.
Since my art is not my full-time career (yet!), my work experience extends into childcare and elder care as well. After my Mother’s decline with Alzheimer’s I felt the need to share my experience and care-giving with other families. It was very rewarding to give them the respite that I know was so very critical for me as a caregiver during the years with my own Mom.
As an artist and person who is grounded and feels so at home in nature, incredibly compassionate, empathetic and aware of others- I feel at my best when I’m helping others whether through art, art classes, lessons or care-giving. I’m proud of the natural ability and genuine love I have for teaching all ages through the arts.
What’s next?
Whew! Wow, well, since I’ve just made some HUGE changes moving to Jacksonville, I’m still getting settled at my new studio and making it my creative home.
Besides launching my art presence here in Jacksonville and getting more involved with the art community here, I envision cultivating STEAM based kids classes that are art driven. There is a large movement happening for early childhood education at the ‘grass roots’ level and I want to be a part of that growth. (Especially with my own grandson nearing those early education years)
I also would love to develop enrichment classes for older adults as well! The beautiful community of seniors deserve respect, compassion, patience, dignity and love in their later years of life. How fulfilling it will be to enrich their lives and be a part of their life journey during this more difficult stage.
I am currently teaching myself the ancient art of Batik and look forward to adding this incredibly intricate art form to my portfolio! I have a goal of owning a van and taking my art on the road! Introducing Batik would really lend itself to this lifestyle AND will be a great addition to embellish my Painted Mâché. I become so inspired when experimenting and truly look forward to getting in the studio to CREATE! I believe that my experience over the years lends itself to these new ventures and am excited to see where the next few months take me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lynnspositostudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnspositostudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063572467504
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-sposito-29a50911/
