Art, Fire & Flow: Alicia Tormey on Creativity, Resilience & the Myth of Balance

What if fire wasn’t destruction—but transformation?

In this gorgeous, soul-deep episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue reconnects with internationally acclaimed encaustic artist Alicia Tormey, whose latest solo show Pyrophytic explores the themes of rebirth, resilience, and creative regeneration through fire.

Alicia uses actual flame as a tool in her art, fusing wax and heat to create luminous botanical works inspired by nature’s ability to rise from ashes. But this conversation goes far beyond technique—it’s about what it means to stay curious, generous, and wildly creative through life’s hardest seasons.

🔥 In this episode:

• The meaning behind Pyrophytic—and how wildfires mirror the human spirit

• Why Alicia sees no separation between art, business, and life

• The myth of balance—and what to aim for instead

• How to sustain creativity without burning out

• The mindset shift that changed everything: “I’m here for it.”

Alicia’s wisdom applies far beyond the studio—it’s about showing up for yourself, your purpose, and your own creative fire, no matter what stage of life you’re in.

🎨 Explore Alicia’s work at https://www.aliciatormey.com/
📍Visit her solo exhibition Pyrophytic at the Patricia Rovzar Gallery in Seattle https://rovzargallery.com/exhibitions/pyro/
📱Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alicia.tormey

Chapters

[00:00:00] - Opening Mindset
[00:02:10] - Podcast Identity and Audience
[00:04:05] - Exhibition Logistics and Gratitude
[00:05:07] - Title: "Pyrophytic"
[00:07:29] - Pyrophytic Plants Mentioned on TV
[00:09:08] - Focus on Botanicals
[00:11:04] - Imagination and Pareidolia
[00:13:19] - Encaustic Technique: Hot-Cold Working
[00:15:57] - Art Practice as Business
[00:19:31] - Studio vs Administrative Pull
[00:20:40] - Myth of Balance Debunked
[00:22:28] - Mantra: "I’m Here for It"
[00:25:10] - Teaching and Retreats
[00:27:28] - Vulnerability in Creating
[00:28:28] - Community Feedback: Generosity
[00:32:21] - Peers Recognize Generosity
[00:32:46] - Two Artist Mindsets
[00:34:29] - Choosing Generosity and Flow
[00:37:15] - Advice for Beginners
[00:39:01] - Cycles of Development
[00:41:17] - Narrow Focus and Depth
[00:42:28] - Knowing When a Piece Is Done
[00:45:54] - Gallery and Website Details
[00:46:45] - Thanks for Packing Assistance
[00:47:24] - Final Encouragement and Outro

 

FOLLOW and CONNECT
Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ 
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ 

Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ 

If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion.

#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies 

🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥

I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40.

This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place.

Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you:
✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations
✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity
✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention
✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically.

👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.