Exploring Life & Business with Trisha Clifford-Sprouse of Trisha’s Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Trisha Clifford-Sprouse. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am an active studio artist as well as a registered art therapist. I have studios located in Canal Winchester and a private practice office in Columbus in the Northwoods Far North area. Art has always been an integral part of my life. I can’t remember a time of my life that was before art. As a very young child, my parents provided encouragement, materials, and the freedom to make things. Paints, pencils, crayons were just some of the tools provided. One summer my father gave me a hammer, a bunch of nails, a piece of plywood, random pieces of timber, and the backyard cherry tree. After showing me how to use the tools, I created and reconfigure my treehouse into many creative adventures. Drawing came easy for me and I was able to pick up tricks and hints watching other people make art and teachers that were to share techniques. I attended the Columbus College of Art and design and Interned in Art Therapy through Harding Hospital. And later attend Ohio University for my Master’s. After 19 years in Museum Work, I decided to return to my art and my art therapy practice full time. 

My areas of Trisha’s Studios LLC include: 

Trisha’s Studios Art Therapy 

Doglick Ceramics 

Artist Books 

Paintings 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are trials in every aspect of life. As an artist and an art therapist, I have found that I have honed my patience and flexibility talents. Artists and art therapist need to be creative as well as business-minded. Most of the jobs that I have held over the last 35 years have been a combination of luck, creativity, and entrepreneurship. I seek out the opportunities and write my own script. That doesn’t always provide a steady stream of income however if you’re willing to try new things and be inventive, it is very rewarding. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Trisha’s Studios. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Doglick Ceramics: How we got the name. My Weimaraner “Addy” loves to join me in the ceramic studio. Where she usually licks something that I am making. Many of my products surround the garden, which is another love of mine. From Garden Totems to Plant decor I specialize nonfunctional art pieces. 

Artists Books: my artists book are an obsession that I have that utilizes a loosely defined book structure to create art pieces that convey a thought, a belief, an idea. 

Art therapy is defined as “a mental health profession that uses active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.” 

My private practice is located in Northwoods area of Columbus. I see clients of all ages and specialize working with schools with at risk your, ASD, Major Depression, LGBTQ, and executive function ADHD issues. 

What’s next?
I have been working on my own garden space at my Canal Studio. This is also part of our house and grounds. I hope to have a spring open house for 2023 to showcase the garden sculptures, totems, and decor. In addition, I am working to complete a prayer, meditation garden space and offer workshops for groups and individuals in utilizing art as a tool for healing. 

Contact Info:

• Email: trishasstudios@gmail.com
• Website: www.trishacliffordsprouse.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artldy