Aug 25
Jessica Liddell is a professional mosaic/mural artist and the owner and founder of Bella Mosaic Art, where she’s been making mosaics professionally since 1997. Before becoming a professional artist Jessica tried pursuing a more practical career in teaching, but after an eye-opening trip to Barcelona, with its exquisite mosaic buildings, she realized that art is where her true passion lies.
When Jessica returned home she dove headfirst into mosaic art, eventually merging her two passions of teaching and art together into one fulfilling career. She’s been able to sustain her business for the last twenty-five plus years because the work is dynamic and ever-changing, which keeps her creative ADHD brain engaged.
Jessica’s story is a great reminder that, for ADHDers, our passions are our greatest motivators, and we have the ability to turn those passions into incredible careers when we have the drive, the hyperfocus, and the self-belief to make it happen.
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"Mosaic has been a great art form for me because I never get bored. There's always something new to learn, there's always a new technique to try. I get excited when somebody rolls out a new type of material."
- Jessica Liddell
"There was a time when I was just so hard on myself. I think you have to give yourself some grace because with the frustrating challenges there's also a lot of good that comes. And so I try to just be grateful for that and grateful for the success that I have."
- Jessica Liddell
"I get a lot of ideas, and I don't know if that's ADHD thinking outside the box but I feel like it's just sometimes so many ideas. I'm never stuck with ‘oh, I don't know what I'm going to do here.’ If anything, I'm getting too many ideas I have to weed out."
- Jessica Liddell
- Jessica was diagnosed with ADHD at 30 after feeling overwhelmed with new motherhood and difficulty managing her schedule.
- Jessica shares her experience of feeling more accepted and nurtured in Northern California, particularly in the ceramics program, which she was very good at and enjoyed.
- Jessica discusses her experience in high school and college, including her decision to pursue teaching as a career after being discouraged from pursuing art.
[20:54 - 35:52] ADHD medication side effects and management
- Jessica discusses her experience with ADHD medication, including side effects such as dental issues and insomnia.
- Jessica has been running her business for almost 25 years, maintaining her interest by continuing to explore new techniques and mediums.
- Jessica has a fear of faulty scaffolding but tries to encourage others to stay low and work indoors.
- Jessica describes her process for managing large-scale art projects, including careful planning, measuring, and scheduling.
- Jessica reflects on the creativity of different groups in mosaic-making, noting that beginners can create something nice without much training.
- Jessica emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and setting realistic goals, and encourages others to do the same.
