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Jun 22, 2017

Have you discovered your passion in life? What is that one thing that lights you up like nothing in the world can? Imagine going through life without realizing or experiencing your passion in a consistent way. Deborah Paris realized one day that she wasn’t following her passion in life. From that moment on she set out to make a change in her career and focus on what really mattered to her. She went from a career practicing law to connecting with her desire to become an artist. Deborah’s message to people unsure of their future and career is to follow your passion. Don’t let another day go by without taking the steps to really engage in what matters to you.

A Reaction Beyond Words

Can you think of the most powerful response to your artwork that you’ve ever received? Some artists have a few of these interactions to choose from and others haven’t had any notable reactions at all. In my time interviewing artists, it really does vary - there doesn’t seem to be a pattern to how people respond. In my recent conversation with artist Deborah Paris, she shared with me a particularly notable reaction she received to someone who purchased her artwork. This reaction was so strong, the individual couldn’t even speak and put into words the emotion she was experiencing. To me, that is a beautiful story. There are times we experience beauty in this world that no words can do justice describing.

Easing into a Workflow

How do you approach your daily or weekly work patterns? Do you jump right in and find that the creative juices start flowing right away or do you find that you need some time to prepare and ease into your workflow? I had the great opportunity to sit down with artist, Deborah Paris as she opened up about how she approaches her workload each day. Deborah’s approach is to tackle the simple things first and then build up to the more challenging aspects of her day and the work that she is creating. To see the amazing products of Deborah’s workflow, make sure to catch images of her work at the end of this post!

Sharing Wisdom with Others

If you were to write a book, what would the subject be? What topic do you have the experience and wisdom on to share with the world? That seems like a very bold and out there question but like the life of an artist, a writer has to create from the core of their being. My guest, Deborah Paris is writing a book about her journey of discovering her passion in life. She told me that she doesn’t want to write another “How to Book” but maybe a “Why to Book…” Inviting others along that journey of discovering what they were meant to do in this life. I’m looking forward to Deborah’s book and think you will too!

Enjoying the Work

You’ve heard that old saying; “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Have you found this saying to be true in your life? Do really love what you do day in and day out? Artist, Deborah Paris is just now getting to experience this truth in her life. She started her professional career practicing law but then pivoted to her dedicating her focus to a career in art. The transition wasn’t a perfect one but it helped Deborah really understand what she was meant to do. If you are struggling in finding your path when it comes to a career as an artist, I know Deborah's story will resonate with you.

Outline of This Episode

  • [1:20] My introduction to my guest, Deborah Paris.
  • [3:00] How Deborah got her start as an artist.
  • [7:00] Deborah talks about making the shift from a law career to an art career.
  • [9:30] Skills that helped from Deborah’s law career.
  • [17:00] Memorable responses to Deborah's work.
  • [22:50] What does Deborah look for in a subject for her paintings?
  • [31:00] Deborah’s process for painting.
  • [36:00] Does Deborah plan several steps ahead or just respond as inspiration comes?
  • [39:00] I talk about my obsession with Marble White.
  • [42:00] Deborah’s habits in the studio.
  • [50:00] Deborah talks about working on her book.
  • [56:00] The blurred line between work and play.

Resources Mentioned on this episode

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