Meet Louisa Higgins | Artist, Poet and Sound Bath Healer

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

Hi Louisa, what makes you happy? Why?
One of my great joys in life is creating a vibe, while making a positive learning experience for others. That manifests in a variety of ways…from collaborating with other artists, to teaching an accessible art lesson for children or adults, to providing a sound bath healing experience. I enjoy making other people feel good, and being able to do that through art, poetry and sound makes me happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been a poet and an artist as long as I can remember. Professionally, that led me first into the world of interior design, which I practiced in San Francisco. Later, when I entered the education field, I transitioned from the classroom into arts leadership. I was an Arts Coordinator for a school district and completed my career as an Arts Administrator for a county. In that role, I oversaw arts education for 430,000 students and had the opportunity to influence the worlds of art, music, drama, dance and film, for students.

I got back into painting, when my son was seriously ill about 20 years ago. I had so much grief, and I turned to painting as an outlet for my intense feelings at that time. I started out very shaky, but over the years my skills developed and I have been fortunate enough to have a solo show, participated in many group shows, and sold my work to collectors. Mostly though, I enjoy sharing my artwork with my family and friends. My work is mainly autobiographical, and these days, increasingly political.

I have always been writing, and I was very serious about publishing, earlier in my life. I still write and publish poetry chapbooks, the latest about being a woman over 50, and the challenges that come with aging. It is both heartbreaking and humorous.

While I was working, uplifting young people in their art form was my great passion. In retirement, I am returning to focus on my own creating, and it is fun to be in a place where I have the time to devote to it. The last year of my working life, I devoted 1 hour a week to make art, and it became incredibly important and non-negotiable. We need to create. We need to make the time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am devoted to art and nature, so I would work a lot of both of those elements into a visit! For nature, I would want to hike in the Indian Canyons, ride up to the top of Mount San Jacinto on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, take a trip to Sunnyland Museum and Gardens, and visit Joshua Tree National Park.

On the artistic side of things, I would definitely visit the Palm Springs Art Museum and Desert Art Center in Palm Springs. It would be great to take in a show at the McCallum Theater or one of of our nearby casinos. I would also want to work in an personal/private art making day or experience, by perhaps plein air painting, weaving a small basket or making a mini mosaic.

It’s always wonderful to taste the great coffee shops and restaurants in an area, so I would probably try to fit in RM Coffee, a date shake at Lappert’s Ice Cream, Sushi at Mushashi Japanese restaurant and a tasty French meal at Pommes Frites.

The Palm Springs area is also home to some fun tours of celebrity homes, and fabulous drag brunches. I want to do this week!!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shout out to my friend and fellow artist, Luis Fausto. He has been a great friend to me over the past twenty years, and a willing collaborator for any artistic vision I dream up. Because of his friendship, many of my ideas came to fruition because of his excellent photography and painting skills.

Instagram: Goddess_of_the_tides

Youtube: @easyartsforeveryone7339