How to Talk About Art Authentically and Stay Nimble in Shifting Times
Insights from gallerist, author, and art advocate Liz Lidgett on connecting with collectors, breaking barriers, and building a thriving creative practice.
Are people still buying art? Is the art world built on exclusion beginning to crumble, and if so, what is the solution? These are the kinds of questions we explore in an empowering new episode of The Create! Podcast, where I sit down with artists, curators, and creative entrepreneurs to talk honestly about building a sustainable career in today’s shifting art world.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with gallerist, author, and art advocate Liz Lidgett. Liz is the founder of Liz Lidgett Gallery and Advisory, a space built on the belief that everyone belongs in the art world, and she brings that same mission to her forthcoming book Art for Everyone, which will be published by Simon & Schuster in 2026.
Our conversation touches on some of the most pressing questions artists and collectors are asking right now. We discuss how to talk about art in a way that feels authentic and accessible, the importance of consistency and professionalism in building a creative business, and how to stay nimble as the art world continues to shift. Liz also shares her perspective on where collectors are spending, why inclusion matters more than ever, and the systems that allow her gallery to thrive.
Kat: Liz, welcome back to the show. I am so excited to talk with you today about your new book and everything you have been working on. Can you start by telling us what inspired you to write it?
Liz: The book is called Art for Everyone. It is on pre-sale now and will be published in April 2026. Pre-sales matter because they show bookstores and publishers that people want to read about art.
This idea has been in my mind for almost a decade. I wanted to answer the questions people bring to us every day—how to hang art, how to care for a collection, how to begin buying. It is meant for both new and seasoned collectors. We called it Art for Everyone because I believe there is something in the art world for every budget and every taste. I have never met a client we could not help find a piece they love.
Kat: That approach is clear in your gallery as well. At the same time, we are seeing some galleries close or shift entirely online. What do you make of that?
Liz: It has been difficult to watch, but I think some of it comes down to exclusivity. Galleries that built their identity on intimidation or exclusion are struggling. Our gallery has always welcomed everyone, and because of that we are moving into a space four times larger.
I do not care what someone has collected before. What matters is that they are excited to live with art. Collectors want to feel connected not only to the work but to the artist. Artists are small business owners too, and people love knowing how their art has impacted someone’s life.
Kat: Many artists feel pressure to write academic statements or use complicated language when they talk about their work. What advice do you have for them?
Liz: What people want to know first is simple: what am I looking at?
Start with the basics—materials, a glimpse of process, the story of how a piece came together. That makes people feel included. Then you can go deeper into the meaning or narrative.
Collectors do not want to feel that they need to apologize for not knowing enough. They want connection and an easy entry point.
Kat: There is also a lot of noise right now about whether people are still buying art. What is your perspective?
Liz: Headlines focus on multimillion-dollar auctions, which makes people think art is only for the wealthy. That is not the full story.
Artists and galleries that focus on accessibility, transparency, and good business practices are doing well. The economy is uncertain, and sales may be slower overall, but I know many artists who are having their best years because they built strong foundations—consistency, professionalism, and customer service.
Algorithms will always change. What matters is showing up and following through.
Kat: You started your gallery just before the pandemic. How do you stay consistent and nimble when things shift so quickly?
Liz: Systems keep me steady. We work ahead so that when life throws curveballs, we are prepared.
When I do not feel like showing up online, I remind myself it only takes two minutes. I put on lipstick, find good light, and share authentically. People do not want perfect. They want to see passion.
Being nimble is equally important. During the pandemic, we had to move everything online almost overnight. That adaptability, combined with consistency, is what helped us grow then and what continues to help us now.
Kat: You are also one of the most organized gallery owners I know. You even plan exhibitions a year in advance. How do you approach that process?
Liz: Every August we print out the full calendar and lay it across a table. I use images of artwork from each artist to visualize the year. Some shows, like landscapes and florals, are always on the schedule because they do well. Others rotate to keep things fresh.
This system ensures artists have plenty of time to create excellent work. I do not believe great art is made under pressure. Planning ahead also helps me secure the best dates for our shows.
Kat: What else are you excited about right now?
Liz: We are moving into a much larger gallery space, working on new brand collaborations, and exploring licensing opportunities so artists can build more sustainable income. And of course, the book will be a major focus as we get closer to 2026.
The best way to support the book is to pre-order. It shows publishers and bookstores that there is strong interest in art books, which helps all of us in the art world.
Thank you, Liz, for sharing your insights and vision for a more inclusive and resilient art world.
You can connect with Liz and learn more about her gallery and upcoming book here: Liz Lidgett Gallery and Advisory
Explore more from Create:
🎧 Listen to The Create! Podcast: createmagazine.co/podcast
✨ Submit your work to our current open call: createmagazine.co/call-for-art
🎓 Grow your career with on-demand courses at Create U: createu.co
