Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea La Valleur-Purvis.
Hi Andrea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in the UK to a British father and an American mother and later moved to Germany, where I spent most of my growing-up years. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an artist. I was always drawing and making things, and instead of getting dolls for my birthday, my dad bought me a kid-friendly toolbox. My mom entered my work into a competition when I was 5 or 6, and I won. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about art making and the business and marketing side, which has allowed me to make a career out of it. At 18, I moved to the USA and studied art at a private art college, earning a BFA in Sculpture. The program allowed me to experiment across many art mediums, including design, painting, print-making, photography, and various forms of sculpture. I didn’t learn how to think about my art practice as an entrepreneur in art school. 25 years ago, the classic career advice for an artist was to work a ‘day’ job or become a professor to make a living, then make your art on the side. I took another path. After a few years of working with other artists and a Fine Art Services company, I started designing basic websites and branding. A couple of years later, this turned into a web design business. Over the next 20 years, my expertise expanded across creative, strategy, and marketing. I was able to run a location-independent business, traveling the world and living my best life! In 2019, my focus shifted to finding a way to help visual artists build the business side of their studio practice. Now I run a coaching practice dedicated to working with contemporary artists, alongside my own sculpture practice. Last September, I celebrated my first public art installation for the City of Waco, where I now work and live.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
So many. From moving internationally 4 times and traveling for an entire year solo to finding new friends, pivoting my career, and stepping deeper into my purpose. When I find myself struggling to make a big decision (like moving back to the US after living in Spain for 5 years), I’m reminded of a conversation with my dear friends Tom and Tedeen. They listened to me go back and forth about my pros and cons list; then Tom said, “Just make a decision.” It was the best advice for me at the moment. Once I decided, I could fill in all the action steps. I can constantly adjust my plans for the future. So, trust your intuition and go for what you want.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In 2022, I returned to my passion for making (metal) sculptures. This was a huge pivot from my 20+ year career running a freelance design practice. By late 2022, I earned a public art commission from the City of Waco, where I now work and live. My artist friend Morgan Eyring and I created 6 sculptures illuminating the underpass and pedestrian gateway between Baylor University and downtown Waco. Since then, I’ve worked on several projects, allowing me to leverage my skills as a designer and sculptor. Alongside my sculpture practice, I host the podcast Art Biz Talk, and I run a coaching practice where we work with contemporary artists on building the business side of their studio practice. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/art-biz-talk/id1657457889
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success means I have the freedom to invest my time in projects I love and have the financial flexibility to chase big dreams and collaborate with incredible creatives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lavalleur.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbizconsulting/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealavalleurpurvis/
- Other: https://artbizconsulting.com/
Image Credits
The Artist in her Waco, Texas Studio, 2023 – Photo by Daniel Mueller (in-studio shots) “Beautiful Habitat” Photo by the Artist Luminary Spirit, Installation view City of Waco, Photo Credit, Kennedy Sam, Creative Waco
