Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Riggs.
Hi Lisa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Tucson, Arizona where I earned my Bachelors of Fine Arts degree. After graduation, I went on a long detour in my vocational path until I finally came back full circle to pursue a career in art. The idea of Copper Canvas came to me while I was interviewing for an event coordinator position at a pet shop. The interviewer told me what type of events they wanted to host, including paint and sips. In job interviews, you want to show off your experience, your passion and your best ideas so when the idea of paint and sips came up I thought of a way to elevate the event and make it more personalized and meaningful. I thought, “wouldn’t it be so special if everyone could paint their own pet? Regardless of talent. What if the pets were drawn in advance in the style of a coloring book and the pet owners paint it?” I tried a practice round at a park with friends and started to host a few events at the pet store. Word spread and since the idea sparked, I have drawn over 250 pet portraits in the last year and few months. I now also work with ArtBeat, a local mobile art service that hosts painting parties and teach people of all ages how to make a painting from beginning to end. Coming back to art has been so fulfilling for me. I have the pleasure to see people connect with their own inspiration and creativity and I have the honor of guiding them to make the best piece of artwork that they can make.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. There are always underlying uncertainties whether they are financial concerns or any of the million sensations caused by imposter syndrome. It can be daunting when you are your own safety net so I gather support from my family, friends and peers. With them, I work out ideas in the realm of “what if it turns out wonderfully?” Those type of discussions inspire me to create more and work more passionately.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an artist and an animal lover. I created Copper Canvas, to make art approachable and help people transform their love for their pets into something lasting and personal. I draw the pet on canvas and the pet owner brings it to life by painting over the drawing with guided direction. I’m very proud that I don’t use AI or apps to make the drawings, they are all hand drawn and my process is focused on respecting the genuine love that we share with our pets. When I draw the animals, it’s important to me that I know the name of the pet that I’m drawing and whatever else the owner wants to share with me about their companion. The owners will tell me about their pet’s personality or their rescue story or sadly that the pet has passed away and that they are commissioning the piece to celebrate the life of their pet through art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think luck has played a role by allowing me to meet people who have networked on my behalf and gotten me painting gigs. If I had never met those people, I would not have gotten certain gigs that launched me into my next project and the project after that.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copper.canvas/
Image Credits
The second photo of the table with the drawn animal portraits (no humans painting) was taken by the photographer for Helen Woodward Animal Center.
