Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Clayton-Behr.
Hi Linda, 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?
Growing up, I was always interested in the Arts. Living in the Midwest in rural farm country USA, this wasn’t really a path anyone was thrilled about me taking. It was seen as a refusal to grow up possibly.
Nevertheless, I persisted.
I went to college for Graphic Arts, as to appease my parents. It was a compromise of sorts, I mean the degree did have the word “art” in it, and I was still going for a “real” job, vs. full on “theater/fine art/music”. I received my degree and worked in the field for longer than I care to remember, and was absolutely miserable the entire time.
Don’t get me wrong, I was good at what I did. I won my share of design awards, but it was… soul-sucking. I hated that I wasn’t doing anything to help people, to empower them, make them happy, or improve their lives in any way.
Then, miracle of miracles, our whole department was laid off. And I focused on applying for jobs, and creating my own work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overcoming the fear of being an artist and showing my work wouldn’t have happened without support. I didn’t have that when I was growing up. I wasn’t encouraged or told I was even capable, but quite the opposite. That I was “chasing rainbows” I had Peter Pan Syndrome, I was being irresponsible by going into the arts.
I finally had the support of one person, and that’s all it took to start putting my artwork out there.
What I learned is this and listen very closely… it’s a remedy for despair.
The naysayers were 100% right.
Don’t follow your dreams.
CHASE THEM FIERCELY!
I have never looked back. I don’t work on graphic design unless it’s for myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love to create with texture and bright colors. I want the viewer to feel something when they look at my work.
I want to evoke emotion from the viewer. I want the person that has forgotten they hold the power in their life to remember, I want the person that’s lost their laughter, to find it.
I think I’m most known for my Music Series. I am inspired by music a lot, and have done series based on individual artists such as Prince, The Beatles, David Bowie, and artists in a certain genre like The Just A Girl Series about empowering women, and The London Calling Series including music by artists from the U.K.
My music series has gotten great feedback. My favorite of which is; “I really looked at and got into the painting vs. my normal look as I walk past for about 10 seconds. I listen to the song and see so much more. I have started to look at pieces longer now.”
What sets me apart from others is that I dive headfirst into fear. I don’t try to be like someone else, or create like anyone else. I create like me. Like only I can. What I mean is, we are all here, and all individuals. I believe we all have something unique to offer the world and that one thing is unique to each individual. Society try’s to get us all in line, and I say stand out and be who you were born to be.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I tend to find happiness when I have let my ego go, and am fully present in any given moment.
I find it Painting and Creating, of course. I also find it in mundane daily moments watching my pups, or kids’ laughter while they play. I find it In music, in nature, in my husband and friends.
It’s all around us, I just need to let go of all the crap that has been piled upon me through a constant barrage of “should do’s”, of bickering of ugly media.
I just have to turn off the electronics except for the music and spend time fully present in the moment, and open myself up to the happiness that’s out there if I want it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lindaclaytonart.com
- Instagram: @lindaclayton_art
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lindaclaytonart
- Twitter: Lindaclaytonart
