Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Price.
Tori, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began painting a few years ago when I was managing a children’s art studio in Roswell. One day after work, I decided to use leftover paint from a class I taught, and I was hooked! Not only was I surprised at the outcome of my painting, but I fell in love with the feeling that painting gave me.
My paintings started off as gifts for friends and family and in February 2016, I made my work public on social media. Posting my work online boosted my artistic confidence, helped me connect with other Atlanta artists, and held me accountable for creating new work. Creating and posting painting after painting, I began to sell my work at local art shows and artist markets.
My business grew immensely in 2017, as I participated in close to 30 art events, led several painting workshops, and was published as the featured artist for the November issue of Aquarius Magazine. I also pinched myself at the end of the year when I was featured in Creative Loafing’s 2017 Holiday Gift Guide! It feels so good when hard work pays off and I’m proud of how much I’ve grown in the past two years.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The entrepreneurial road is never smooth, but it is very rewarding to work towards achieving a dream that is so near and dear to your heart. My biggest struggle last year was balancing my day jobs with my art business. Long days from 5am to 10pm were the norm, and that kind of schedule caused a lot of burnout for me.
Our fast-paced society preaches hustle and productivity and necessary rest is seen as apathy and laziness. We praise those who work around the clock to get things done and suddenly side-hustles are the new cool. After being fully enveloped in this mindset and overworking myself, I know this way of thinking and living is unsustainable and unhealthy. I began to define myself by my work and wrap my identity and self-worth in being busy; I think this can be common for many entrepreneurs who make their passion their work. Through my journey as a business owner, I have discovered that true business growth comes from caring for myself first — always keeping myself as my top priority.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Luna Leigh Arts – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Luna Leigh Arts is all about seeing beauty in the world and in ourselves. I work with acrylic paint and focus on radiating positivity through vibrant colors and uplifting, inspirational imagery. My hope is that my energetic paintings bring my clients a sense of peace, magic and wonder. My background is in Psychology and I am fascinated with art therapy, mindfulness and the connection between well-being and the creative process. Painting has allowed me to love myself more, to become more present and confident and to trust the whispers of my intuition.
As I began to feel the endless benefits of the painting process, I felt a call to share my experiences with others. Since June 2016, I have led a mindful art workshop called Make & Meditate, teaching others the joy, peace and freedom that painting can bring. As the typical paint-and-sip art classes were becoming more popular, I wanted to offer an experience that gave others the opportunity to find their unique, authentic creativity instead of copying a picture step by step that looked the same as everyone else’s. My painting classes give people the space to slow down, open up and connect with their inner self. The energy of these workshops is calm and supportive — a haven in the midst of a hustling, bustling city.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
This year, I plan to shift my focus from smaller artist markets to larger arts festivals and gallery shows. I have a handful of solo shows coming up, so I’m currently working on different series to show in the spring. I’m showing my “Spiral” series at Hodgepodge Coffeehouse in April, and you can join me at the opening reception April 5 from 7-9pm! To help prepare for all of my upcoming shows, I’m moving into a larger studio space at the end of February and couldn’t be more excited. I love it when dreams come true!
Pricing:
- Shop paintings & prints online, $15-225
- Commissioned paintings, starting at $100
- Make & Meditate workshops, $35
- Private painting classes, starting at $45
Contact Info:
- Website: LunaLeighArts.com
- Email: LunaLeighArts@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunaleigharts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lunaleigharts/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
