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

Hi Lisa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been artistic and crafty, but I’ve never really had any formal training. I took a couple art classes in high school and one in college, other than that, I am self-taught. At the age of 50, I went back to school and became an RN. Going to college the same time as my two kids was kinda fun, but the schooling was grueling to say the least. My daughter and I graduated the same month and year which was on my 55th birthday! My son graduated two years later, and we officially became empty nesters. It was then I started drawing again and decided to teach myself a medium I had never worked in, watercolors. I told myself I would paint every single day for a year. I loved learning and growing, and my family continually encouraged me to sell my art. So, I did, and I do. During the day, I am a full time RN at a cancer center in Lincoln NE. In the evenings and weekends, I am an artist.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It’s been 6 years now since I picked up my paintbrush. I love working with watercolors, but the learning process has been very challenging because it is a medium that is quite unforgiving. I have piles of practice “works of art” that I keep to remind myself of the progress I have made. My journey started with a lot of florals and portraitures, but recently I’ve been exploring landscapes and I have a new found freedom of expression in my work.

The business side of my art is taking a while to grow out of infancy. It takes a lot of time to market myself and since I do have a full-time career as a nurse, it is a slow process. I might add, my art also shares time with our first grandchild, which I am NOT unhappy about.

I sell most my work through word of mouth as well as an occasional pop-up market.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them downtown to the Haymarket. I love all the restaurants, shops and the general vibe there.

I’d also spend a day out at Glacial Till Vineyard. They always have bands playing there and it’s such a beautiful setting to spend an afternoon/evening drinking wine and listening to music.

I definitely would take them to my daughter’s shop, The 3am Co., of which there is a local coffee shop (Reactor Coffee) next door that we would visit as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband and kids are truly my biggest cheerleaders. It was them who encouraged me to start selling my art. Otherwise, I don’t think I would have pursued turning this passion into a business. Their unwavering belief in my abilities has not only fueled my passion but also instilled in me a deep sense of self-belief.

I cannot go without mentioning my grandma, who is the person who sparked my interest in the arts. We used to spend hours doing arts and crafts on her kitchen table starting when I was very young and into my college years. I keep her picture in my studio to remind me daily of her encouragement, and I wish she could see my creations.

Website: https://www.LisasCanvas.com

Instagram: @LisasCanvas

Facebook: Lisas Canvas

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