Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Lee Adams.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
What? My story? The very thought feels like a curious, daunting look in the mirror. Should I sift through layers and choose the winning parts? The easy bits? Or the incidents that turned my soul upside down? Or how about the funny and embarrassing tales? And let’s not forget the deep spiritual revelations, the spooky stuff that makes you know we are a collective and are not just individuals.
But if I had to start somewhere I’d say I’m a true-blue crab east coater whose story begins in Maryland, aka. Little America. Dark lush soil, large deciduous trees, rain, amazing produce and water everywhere. I’m the daughter of a Cuban refugee, born at a time when refugees assimilated and relinquished their native language as part of the home. My father went to the 8th grade and later I would learn that he was in fact illiterate. He was a successful businessman. I grew up in a beautiful house, but by the 6th grade I was dissolving in a violent, abusive and drug filled home. I loved school, though – making me an outlier and an odd ball in my family.
Adulting began early for me. Despite the turbulence and trouble that would consume my childhood my parents did encourage and support all of my inspired outlets. My mother, also a talented artist, was forever my champion. My father, hidden behind his stern serious disposition, was a creative person; we would make art in the garage and forage the quarries for vintage bottles. This memory would inspire my “BOOTLES” Needless to say Art became my solace, my reprieve. My grandmother used to tell me I was an old soul. We were close. She was a goddess sent for me. At a young age I was driven and motivated by creating, leading, and learning but mostly, by Art. Layered into my late teens and twenties I would experience more loss, death and grief than is typical of a person my age. It broke me… and it stabilized me. I started making choices to honor the people I lost.
Although these were some of the hard and darker facets of my life, I never treated them as obstacles as much as qualities that made me who I am. I am grateful for all of my hurdles; they built my strength, courage and wisdom. So, pursuing my education regardless of how it was esteemed in my home was a part of my self-driven design. I put myself through college through bartending and waitressing. School took longer than the 4 -5-year plan. I worked as an illustrator and at a local NewsChannel art department, but it was through the advice of my college boyfriend that I enrolled in an educational psychology class. Full steam ahead, the world unfurled and I had an epiphany. I would be at my very best as an Art Teacher. Little did I know I would be blessed with the perfect career. I thrive working with thousands of students in helping them unravel their own creative mystery.
In the summer of 1995, I embarked on a cross-country trip through the US ending in Colorado. I fell in love. Colorado chooses you. My next adventure would beckon me West. A missed zip code, and an unplanned phone interview on a Monday would put me on a plane on that Friday. 3 hours later I was offered a job as a High School art teacher in sunny, snowy Colorado. I worked in the Cherry Creek School District and would serve as the lead for Visual Art Teachers designing their professional development for years. Moreover, I crossed paths and worked side by side with some of the state’s finest educators. It was at school I would meet a handsome tall cowboy who shared his love for horses. We rode all through the Colorado mountains for 4 years before we were engaged in Sedona. In 2008 we welcomed a beautiful new spirit that was brought into this world. We named her Sedona Lee. My family continues to complete me.
I recently wrapped up my tenure of teaching public school to REWIRE and now am an adjunct professor teaching Drawing and Art appreciation at Arapahoe Community College. I am excited to be doing what I have taught for years in my home studio. It nurtures my spirit Making, teaching and sharing art is a lifelong dream that I am thrilled to be living. And what’s more, in another recent turn of events, I am thrilled to become the new director and resident artist of Valkarie Gallery nestled in the beautiful Belmar shopping district.
Everyday reminds me that I am presently living my best life. Our lives are like a tree, we have roots that can never be changed because they’re embedded into the ground. They are our beginnings, the threads that connect and hold us together; they are the cornerstone of our curious and singular tale. Oftentimes we resist and resent our narratives rather than embracing and urging our branches to grow and reach for the light. Our tree must be nourished, watered and loved because of its roots.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In ancient times Clans chose someone to be the “Fire Carrier”. The job was sacred; keeping smoldering tinder burning and safe was crucial because the tribe could not live without fire. It was a huge responsibility. For it was from the sparks they carried that ensured food, warmth and light. Artists are the fire keepers of the modern world. While fire is no longer a necessity for daily survival, it is the artists in our world that feed our souls, warm our hearts and light the way for creative spirits. The journey of the artist is fueled by creative mystery. Fire is the only element that is never repeated, and each one is unique to itself; like a fingerprint and like one’s art. We have a huge responsibility and a sacred job. Our work is imperative to keep the current verve thriving. I am blessed to be part of this clan!
My art is about the visceral level of connection. I am attracted to the spiritual dichotomy of the ephemeral and transcendental. My work has nuances of tribal or spiritual musings. They are visual mediations. As an artist I love texture, line, collage, layers and the illusion of organic interiors. I am a palette jumper, gravitating and utilizing a variety of media. When I make art, it is in tandem with the unknown and the process; oftentimes my work is unraveled, not planned. I can contour draw myself out or into almost anything that I am confronted with, I dream in color theory, and I know that most of the time purple will solve just about any artistic or social quandary.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
All of my endeavors are inspired by the garden of my family, friends and students. Some are here and others have traveled to the next dimension. My teachers at every level- seriously since elementary school are nuanced in everything I do. My husband is an endless stream of support in all ways. Thank you and I love you Stan! And my daughter Sedona Lee inspires and teaches me everyday to be the best version of myself. She is an old soul for sure. Love you Pookie!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lisaleeadams.com
- Instagram: @lisaleeadams
- Facebook: Lisa Whiteford-Adams
- Other: [email protected]
