Meet Lindsay Goss | Writer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsay Goss and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsay, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

I can’t imagine not pursuing a creative career or outlet. By choosing a career that offers creative freedom, it relates to my identity. When we understand who we are, especially our strengths and weaknesses, we can advocate for careers that fuel us, instead of depleting us.

I used to have a challenging time not knowing my career direction. I’ve learned that when we don’t listen to or trust ourselves, it’s more difficult navigating towards what feels right and what we are most passionate for. Letting others decide our career path may not be the best step, as much as others are doing their best to be helpful to us. We are the only ones that know what is best for ourselves.

For instance, when I was an elementary education major, I was highly encouraged by friends and acquaintances in this path but the more I thought about it, I didn’t connect to it like I wanted to. Once I changed my major to communication, I felt this heavyweight drop from my shoulders. I knew I made the right decision when I trusted myself and how I could use my creative abilities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve painted for over 12 years. I started watercolor illustrations in my early 20’s, creating calendars and greeting cards. In 2015, my friend who is an interior designer asked if I could paint her a 48 x 48 abstract painting on canvas for one of her clients. I have to admit I was taken back because I did not have experience with large concepts or other mediums other than watercolor. It took some convincing, but I agreed. It took me several weeks to complete my first large-scale abstract acrylic piece and the challenge opened a new avenue of creativity. If it weren’t for this opportunity, I don’t believe I would have found how much I enjoy creating abstract and multimedia artwork.

I haven’t been consistent in painting over the last decade, but I often return to it. More recently, it has a leading role in my free time. This year, I met one of my creative goals. I was invited to participate in an art exhibit within the Pikes Peak Community College’s Downtown Studio West Art Gallery and I continue to push myself for more of these opportunities.

I feel connected to the movement and diversity within painting. Painting in layers requires patience in drying time and it has become a test against instant gratification and my own self-criticism. Perfectionism within abstract art is sort of an anomaly. My work involves raw texture. Although composition requires its own sort of balance, it takes time to find it in the process. Sometimes pieces become something I don’t expect and they’re some of the more beautiful moments within the creative process.

I recently decided how important it is for me to enjoy creating art, rather than criticize my imperfections or even lack of knowledge. The beautiful thing about abstract acrylic art is how many times I can start over on canvas. Once I started to believe I was free in my process, I realized it was one of the very few places I didn’t have expectations or limits weighing on me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have only lived in Colorado for 5 years, but I am amazed by the continuous growth we are witnessing throughout the city. One of my favorite areas of Colorado Springs is Downtown. Sculptural art installations and murals have been assembled at corners, parks, and buildings. I can not get over “Iscariot” by Trace O’Connor, located on north side of Colorado Avenue between Interstate 25 & Sahwatch that sits on the roof of the Traffic Management Center.

A few of my favorite murals are “Take Back the Power” on Pikes Peak Ave and Tejon St by artist Gregg Deal, “Lupita” by Elizabeth Selby on the North exterior wall of 117 E. Boulder St., and “Bananacat” by
Cymon Padilla, located on west side of Tejon between Pikes Peak & Colorado.

Downtown Colorado Springs continues to be a place with wonderful local businesses to support. Soon we will have access to the Switchback stadium. Walking in downtown Colorado Springs offers a beautiful view of Pikes Peak.

Some of my frequent places for coffee in Colorado Springs are Loyal Coffee and Switchback Coffee. Dos Santo’s Tacos and a drink at Shugas in their outdoor tipi would be a great way to spend your evening. A night away from home has to include Kinship Landing. Experiencing our downtown First Friday Artwalk is a must as there is diversity in venues and artwork. One of my favorite art venues is Kreuser Gallery.

For daytime shopping, I would be sure to take friends to an array of local shops, such as Poor Richards, Eclectic Co, Rocky Mountain Soap Shop, and Yobel. There are so many more I haven’t mentioned that create the energy that downtown Colorado Springs gives. Spreading further out across the city, I’d highly recommend local businesses Almagre Venue.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to hike, Cutler Trail in Cheyenne Mountain on the SouthWest side of town is a short hike with impeccable views.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Going back to college at 29 required a lot of support from friends and family. I’ve had several mentors throughout my road to success. My very good friend, Rowena Sabetta, helped me become empowered and confident in my capabilities. She introduced me to Leadership Pikes Peak, where I completed their Women’s Community Leadership Initiative program in 2018. Being new to Colorado Springs, the program anchored me further into the city and I had the opportunity to get to know non-profits and organizations within the community.

Six months after moving to Colorado, my Fiancé asked if I had considered going back to college. It sparked hope within the possibilities of becoming a first-generation college student. My Fiancé is a solid source of support and encouragement. During the last semester of my bachelor’s, I quit my secure job to start my copywriting business and it felt like jumping into the deep end. It was important to me to gain this kind of experience. I’ve learned so much within this process and I have been encouraged every step of the way.

Website: www.heyitslindsay.com

Instagram: hey.itslindsay

Linkedin: lindsaygoss

Image Credits
Photo credit: Andrew Phelps