Vanessa Preston - Inspiring Creative Stories
I recently had the honour of interviewing Vanessa Preston, an incredibly multifaceted creative, for my "Inspiring Creative Stories" blog series. This series shines a spotlight on remarkable creatives I've had the pleasure of connecting with through my Flourish program, the Creative Hearts Community, in-person retreats, or private coaching. Vanessa is not just a member but a treasured gem within the Creative Hearts Community.
Now, I warmly invite you to meet this vibrant and endlessly creative soul - a writer, artist, and encourager, who has journeyed through various life chapters, from being a computer geek to a teacher, and finally embracing her calling in the world of art and writing - Vanessa Preston!
Her story is a mosaic of rediscovered childhood passions, including painting, sewing, and writing, assembled together with the pieces of personal development and lifelong learning. After years of experimentation and self-reflection, she has developed a unique art style that is as vibrant and uplifting as her story. Painting for her is not just about aesthetics, it's an exploration of ideas, symbolism, and feelings, expressed through vibrant layers of paint, ink, and collage.
What truly stands out in Vanessa’s journey is her perspective on creativity. She has transformed her challenges with perfectionism, chronic illness, and depression into a source of strength, using creativity and faith as her compass.
Her philosophy on embracing the 'messy middle' of creative projects, naming her creative 'seasons', and the importance of viewing creativity through a lens of self-compassion, and playfulness over pressure, offers a beautiful and heartfelt take on the creative process.
As we delve into her story, prepare to be inspired by a journey that's as colourful and multifaceted as her paintings, a story of embracing hope and the endless possibilities that creativity brings. I’m so glad Vanessa took the time to answer my questions.
I have a feeling you’re going to be inspired by her story, too!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your paintings? I would love to know what led you to pick up a paintbrush.
I’m a Writer, Artist and Encourager, obsessed with playful creativity, personal development and lifelong learning.
My childhood self loved painting, sewing, writing, ballet, tree climbing, swimming and camping. After a brief career as a computer geek, I reinvented myself as a teacher and rediscovered the joy of creative writing and painting. It took years of experiments, lessons and reflections to find an art style that felt truly mine.
For me, painting is all about exploring ideas, symbolism, expressing feelings, working in layers of vibrant paint, ink, and collage.
What do you love most about being creative?
A creative life is full of infinite possibilities. As a student I was a perfectionist, striving to prove myself and never satisfied. My desire to paint, write and encourage people motivates me to overcome overwhelm, procrastination and perfectionism, keep learning and focus on enjoying the process without pressure.
During a long season of chronic illness and depression, I decided creativity and faith would be my path to thriving. I dared to dream that my words and art could bring inspiration, encouragement, light and hope to help others thrive. Creativity is a beautiful way to nurture glimmers of hope!
And what are some of the challenges?
My very active, neurodivergent mind flits around like a butterfly, bouncing from one project to the next, making it hard to finish anything particular. Journals serve as an extension of my brain … and I have many! I use them to process my thoughts, solve problems, record memorable moments and celebrate little wins. I capture exciting but distracting ideas in a ‘Pool of Possibilities’ in my process diary. When I want to do everything at once, I write a ‘Menu of Possibilities’ in my planner so I can dip in and do what feels inspiring and aligned without forgetting something important.
Ideally, I’d live in perpetual creative flow, immersed in the process, hyperfocused on a painting or writing project. In reality, I’m easily distracted by the demands of life, and I alternate between multiple projects, according to my capacity at any moment.
I’m still figuring out how I can work WITH my brain. I use Notion to keep track of all the moving parts in my life, and I enjoy co-working, filming my process, or adopting an avatar to trick myself into being productive.
Play beats pressure!
Can you please describe your creative space? Where do you like to create?
Our sunroom has become my art studio. I paint at the dining table and easel, and the sideboard and bookshelves are full of supplies. Canvases and journals are scattered everywhere. My husband and I recently created a rolling storage system for large canvases, and it’s been a game-changer for organisation.
My writing spaces vary. I have a desk in my bedroom, but I also work in bed, on the lounge or in the car. This month I’m blessed to be attending a creative residency one day a week, at Nobby’s Lighthouse in my hometown of Newcastle, NSW. It’s amazing to have ‘a room of one’s own’ in which to plot and write a novel.
How do you like to prepare for a creative session?
Often I start by tidying my supplies, photographing my work in progress, or journaling to clear my mind. Or I just dive in, choosing a paint colour my heart craves or scribbling thoughts onto a canvas. Sometimes I write a list of possibilities, create affirmation cards, watch an online class or write in a journal. Some days I’m captivated by light shimmering on marbles in a vase or the shadows cast by a water-propagated philodendron. Everything is a springboard to creativity!
What are some of the ways you bring self-care and self-compassion into your creative practice?
* dreaming big and starting small
* creating an environment where I feel inspired, calm and comfortable
* giving myself permission to work at my own pace
* appreciating the achievements of others without comparing myself to them
* reflecting on my practice and learning what works for me
* being flexible about where I work, considering where I feel peaceful or focused
* listening to what my body needs
* viewing the ups and downs of my 'seasons' in ways that feel supportive
* accepting the ebbs and flows of my energy and intellect without catastrophising
* adopting the '1%' idea of recalibration … shifting the needle in tiny increments to move myself further into alignment with my values and goals
* embracing opportunities without questioning whether I’m ‘worthy’
* remembering that play, lifelong learning and experimentation are integral parts of my ideal creative life
* surrounding myself with kind, genuine, supportive people
Has anyone ever made you feel discouraged about your creative expression with their criticism – I hope not – but if so, how did you navigate that experience?
I’ve always been my own biggest critic. At times it was hard to believe my writing and art would ever be good enough to share, but I’m much kinder to myself now. A couple of decades ago I started using a journaling process I call ‘flip the script.’ I formed new habits, changed my definition of success and realised my value and purpose aren’t defined by achievements.
Hitting rock bottom with chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, anaemia and endometriosis was a blessing … it prompted me to accept the reality that perhaps I would never be 100% and I decided that whatever my reality was, I would thrive in it. I’ve learned to be content with whatever I CAN do on any given day.
I write myself pep talks and affirmations. I’ve invested in countless online classes, communities for artists and writers, and creative coaching. I’ve learned to cultivate a gentle creative practice that’s aligned with my vision and values. Time and experience have taught me that little steps add up … it IS possible to have a fulfilling and sustainable creative practice without hustling and hurting yourself.
What do you find inspiring? How do you nurture your inspiration?
Everything?! Tall trees, mountains, farms, shallow rivers and rock pools. I delight in words, music, handwriting, the work of my fellow creatives, art, stories, books and ballet. The meanderings of my busy brain. Deep conversations. Big questions. Lifelong learning. Books and movies about writers and artists, adventurers and prodigies. I have notebooks and Pinterest boards full of quotes, memes, poems and my own sketches, impressions and ideas.
I love asking ‘what if’ questions, especially on long drives. I love brainstorming and problem solving. And I love learning about words and concepts from other cultures, such as ikigai, komorebi, shinrin-yoku, ubuntu and wabi sabi.
What is your creative process like? Do you work in seasons, picking up and putting down your creative projects, or do you have a consistent routine?
My creative process is chaotic … a zillion ideas flying around, a hundred projects on the go at once. In my studio, this looks like numerous collections of incomplete paintings, big and small, art journals, sketchbooks and class notes. I work on one piece as I procrastinate on another, waiting for the ‘next right move’ to become apparent. I no longer dread the ‘messy middle’ of a painting … it’s just another excuse to play. I paint in numerous styles with acrylics, mixed media and watercolours. I start new paintings on a whim when I feel like exploring a composition, substrate, tool or colour palette.
A year or two ago I started naming my ‘seasons.’ It helps me accept ‘what is’ and gives me a luxurious feeling of appreciating where I’m at. Seasons might last for days or months. Some of my seasons have included Finding the Light, Rest and Reset, Wonder & Wander, Finish with Love, Free to Fly, Survival Mode, Creative Cocoon, Nurture, Shine and Oasis. I also choose a word of the year as a theme to guide my intentions.
Sometimes I notice a need to adjust my expectations of what I CAN do, to empower myself to make the most of what IS possible for me in different stages of life. Homeschooling, motherhood, health challenges, anxiety and depression have all impacted on my ability to create. When challenges arise it’s ok to triage priorities. Expecting myself to show up the same way every day is unrealistic, but I can usually find sustainable and meaningful ways to keep creating, contributing and connecting.
What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to someone wanting to deepen their relationship with their creativity?
“See yourself through a softer lens” is my main message, and the subtitle of a whimsical self-help book I’m writing for sensitive, creative souls. Give yourself permission to experiment, make a mess, follow whims, explore possibilities and see where inspiration leads you. Having a destination in mind is wonderful, as is dancing along a meandering path. The creative journey is sprinkled with serendipity, synchronicity, personal epiphanies and quiet realisations.
Believe anything’s possible! Embrace opportunities. Start before you’re ready. Invest in a few quality resources AND give yourself an abundance of materials so you feel free to play with them. Know that you are worthy, and your work matters. Surround yourself with supportive peers and mentors. Keep learning. Notice blessings, pray for miracles and celebrate little wins. Use journals to explore big and little questions. Release pressure and perfectionism, and enjoy the process!
Thank you so much for sharing your creative life with us, Vanessa!
I hope you enjoyed reading about Vanessa’s inspiring creative life.
If you would like to make creativity a priority in your life this year, I would be honoured to paint with you and support you in making that intention come true. Flourish: The Art of Creative Living is open for registration now. I invite you to explore more about my fun-filled, supportive, year-long creativity school, right here.
Inside Flourish, we explore painting with acrylic, oils, and watercolours, plus photography, collage and writing projects to fuel your creativity.
You are also invited to join me for the next Art of Creative Living Retreat, this time on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef on Lady Elliot Island. I warmly invite you to check it out and send me an email to reserve your place.
Finally, you are also welcome to join the Creative Hearts Community, where you’ll connect with more creatives from around the world, like Vanessa, and enjoy supportive workshops, live events and recordings to support you in carving out time for self-expression and self-care.
I’d love to support you in your creative living adventures.
Be kind to yourself and nurture your creativity.
With my warm wishes,
Nicola xx
About Nicola Newman
I'm a Creative Business Coach, Award-Winning Artist & Mentor for Creative Hearts who want to flourish, flow & prosper.
My approach combines self-care, playfulness, and mindfulness to support sensitive, values-driven creatives to navigate self-doubt and cultivate deep self-trust so they can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together their body of work, make money doing what they love and leave a creative legacy they’re proud of.
As an award-winning artist and creative mentor, my free resources, online courses, coaching programs, and retreats support Creative Hearts to embrace their passions, prioritise their creative expression, and build loving relationships with themselves.
Let’s pour a cuppa and get to know one another, shall we? :) Read more about my story here.
