Creating Space to Breathe: An Artist Spotlight on Lisa Hodge

For Lisa Hodge, art became more than a creative practice—it became a way to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with herself.

What began as a need for creative space after becoming a mother gradually evolved into an intuitive and emotionally driven process, shaped less by rules and more by feeling.

In this interview, she shares how her artistic style developed naturally over time, and how creating continues to bring a sense of calm, honesty, and presence into her life.

Art Journey and Exclusive Insights  

How did you first get into art? Was there a 'special moment' that sparked it?

Art has always felt like something I was drawn to, but it really became important to me during a time after having my twins and I was craving a creative outlet. Creating gave me space to slow down, process emotions, and reconnect with myself. There wasn’t one single “aha” moment, more like a gradual realization that art made me feel grounded, calm, and truly present.

What led you to choose and commit to your current artistic style, and how does it help you express yourself more fully?

My current style evolved naturally through experimentation and play. I stopped trying to make my work look a certain way and instead focused on how I wanted it to feel and more importantly how it made me feel. This style allows me to express emotion freely, without overthinking or rules, and it’s become a very intuitive and honest form of self-expression for me.

Could you share your favorite piece of work at this stage?

My favorite piece is usually the most recent one. Each artwork represents where I am emotionally at that moment, so it feels special in its own way. Right now, I’m most connected to the pieces that feel playful, layered, and expressive, they remind me why I started creating in the first place.

The Art Supplies in Your Creative Process

What’s your approach to choosing the right art materials, and what qualities matter most to you?

I choose my art materials based on how they support freedom, movement, and play in my process. I’m drawn to tools that allow me to work intuitively rather than precisely, and I often enjoy using materials in unconventional ways. For example, I love using a thin palette knife for its ability to create texture and spontaneity, and a glue syringe tool to lay down my first layer of water. It lets me essentially sketch with water droplets, creating transparent guide lines that disappear once I start painting, which keeps the process fluid and pressure-free. I also gravitate toward unique-shaped brushes because they help loosen my style and let go of perfectionism. Overall, the most important qualities for me are versatility, flow, and the ability for a tool to invite curiosity and experimentation rather than control.

How has your experience been with Artify brushes? In what ways do they stand out and earn your approval?

I’ve really enjoyed working with Artify brushes, they stand out because they encourage experimentation and freedom in my process. They offer unique shapes which helps me stay playful and spontaneous. I also love their detail brushes, which give me more control when I want to add small, layered details on top of a loose, abstract base. Together, these brushes support both freedom and precision, letting me combine expressive movement with thoughtful finishing touches. They feel intuitive to use and invite creativity rather than limit it, which earns my full approval.

Your Very Own Insights & Advices

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in art?

Don’t be afraid to play and use tools in ways they weren’t intended for. Let curiosity lead and give yourself permission to make a mess or “mistakes.” Often, it’s through experimentation that you discover what truly resonates with you and develop a style that feels authentic.

Have you ever hit a creative slump? What’s your secret to staying inspired and maintaining creativity?

Yes, absolutely…creative slumps are a natural part of the process that I have learned to embrace. When they happen, I try not to force creativity. Sometimes I step away from painting and explore other creative outlets, like photography, baking, or simply spending more time in nature. I also find joy in experimenting with new tools or just playing without expectations, making marks, layering textures, or “painting with water” to see where it leads. Focusing on the process rather than the outcome helps me stay curious, and eventually creativity always finds its way back in its own gentle, organic way.

Do you think techniques should be actively worked on, or do they grow naturally? Any exclusive tips?

I think it’s a mix of both, techniques grow naturally over time, but you also need to actively explore and challenge yourself. My biggest tip is to paint often and deliberately push yourself out of your comfort zone. Try new tools, experiment with unfamiliar shapes, or explore subjects you wouldn’t normally choose. The combination of regular practice and playful experimentation helps your style evolve organically while keeping the process exciting and fresh.

What role do you think feedback plays in an artist's growth?

I think feedback is incredibly valuable, but it works best when it’s constructive and supportive. Honest perspectives can help you see things you might have missed and inspire new ideas, but it’s important to filter it through your own vision. Feedback should guide you, not dictate your art. For me, the most useful feedback encourages experimentation, sparks curiosity, and helps me push beyond my comfort zone while

 staying true to my style.

Any other valuable insights from your artistic journey that you'd like to share?

The most important insight I’ve learned is..:enjoy the process. When you focus on enjoying the creative process, everything else like; technique, style, and growth, they just seem to naturally fall into place.
Rather than chasing perfection or structure, Lisa Hodge embraces art as a space for intuition, emotion, and freedom.

Her work reflects a process of listening inward—allowing feeling, presence, and spontaneity to guide each piece naturally.

And through that process, painting becomes not only an act of creation, but of reconnection.

To see more of Lisa's work and follow her creative journey, visit:
Lisa's Instagram

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