Meet LISA WHITTINGTON | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with LISA WHITTINGTON and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LISA, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Never give up. If I did not give up years ago, I would be further along. I gave up because I was frustrated. I was frustrated because I lacked knowledge, courage and I did not understand my passion and my purpose. I let people discourage me instead of listening to my heart. so I bottled up my passion and kept it to myself. I regret the years I loss and the success I could have had. Success comes with a price of sacrifice, courage and fight. What are you willing to give up?How bad do you want it? Are you willing to fight? One thing I learned about myself is that I will go to war with anyone or anything about my purpose and my passion. And I don’t aim on losing. You never give up on something that is a part of you. Get back on track. When I picked my paint brushes back up and listened to my spirit and not listen to others who had no idea what the hell they were talking about– things started to align. There are people on this earth sent to try to discourage you and that is the time to dig in harder. I have come to find out just when I am about to give up, my break through is there. You might even have horrible people around you, still don’t give up. The universe will still work in your favor as long as you listen to your passion and purpose. Keep going.

There is more than we can see. Sometimes we fail because we think too small. Sometimes we fail because we think our success is supposed to be like someone else’s. No. We are all unique individuals with unique talents and something special to offer the world. We just have to keep going and find out what that is and not give up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a mixed media artist and I am a storyteller. My work is narrative. Whether realistic or abstract Lisa Whittington is going to give you a story. I work intuitively based off my life experiences and observations. I work in acrylic, oil, collage, digital painting, photography and film. My work has been exhibited in museums as well as on television. I created the motion title art for the hit series called “Swagger” which is streaming on Apple TV Plus. That motion title art consisted of 35 pieces of artwork and a combination of my traditional and my digital work. I also facilitated and directed the designs and the creation of a three hundred and fifty foot Black Lives Matter mural in East Atlanta on Charles Drew Campus.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When people come to town I take them for a walk down Auburn Avenue and escort them down history’s lane. Auburn Avenue was the epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement in America and visitors always and forever appreciate this historic tour. Start at the Auburn Avenue research library and walk all the way down to Dr. King’s birth home. I highly recommend pulling out your phone and looking up “Sweet Auburn” walking tours because there is a lot to see and learn. Art lovers, do not miss visiting the Clark Atlanta University Museum. A trove of Black art history sitting inside that museum. “The Art of the Negro Mural Series” painted by Hale Woodruff are a feast to set your eyes on. The murals are in the atrium of Trevor Arnett Hall where the museum is located. Your eyes and your spirit will thank you for the experience. Then when you get hungry, head over to East Atlanta to Poor Hendrix and ask for their grilled cheese sandwich. Yes. I said it. Grilled cheese. Their grilled cheese sandwich is an experience with tomato jam and a sweet gerkin pickle. You never had a grilled cheese like this before! Best in Atlanta and worth every penny. And when their sweet potatoes are in season with their technique of mashed and refried— Oh. My. God. Makes you want to slap somebody’s mama. Their sweet potatoes however are not always on the menu and I sincerely roll my eyes when they tell me “no sweet potatoes today .” But if they have those sweet potatoes, stock up! Then there is Nouveau Bar and Grill—- Whew child! The food, the atmosphere and the drinks are muah! Perfection! There is so much enjoyment in the atmosphere and the food is presented so creatively and tastes just as amazing. Nouveau Bar and Grill is best enjoyed with friends…..trust me!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Being an educator was one of the biggest support systems I had. To have young people believe in you, trust you, rely on you and look to you for answers and expertise– places you in a position to grow. The more I teach, the more I grow as an artist. I also have a huge cadre of friends and special people in my life that are there for me and that believe in me and always cheering me on. And then sometimes,– there are people with power in the distance watching and admiring you. You never know. I’ve come to learn not to measure success or quality by “likes” on social media. You never know who is watching and believing in you. Writer and director, Reggie Rock Bythewood saw something in me and my work for several years but never said a word. He just watched me on social media. He never hit the like button and never made a comment under my social media posts but several years later he made a call to me for help with a tv show. He also believed in me.

Website: https://www.lisalovewhittington.com/

Instagram: @theartistlisalove

Twitter: @liliwhittwhitt

Image Credits
Regina Fleming (first photo)