Turning Art Into Impact: How Liz Powers of ArtLifting Is Changing Lives

03/17/25 • 31 min

Liz Powers, Co-Founder and CEO of ArtLifting, has built an art business that changes lives and communities. She connects photographers, painters, and sculptors - many facing disabilities or housing insecurity - with Fortune 500 clients like Google, Amazon, and PayPal, helping them earn income, gain recognition, and turn their passion into a career.

In this episode, Liz shares the inspiring story behind ArtLifting, how she turned a social mission into a thriving business, and what photographers and visual artists can learn from her journey. We also dive into her ambitious vision for the future - because she’s just getting started.

If you’re passionate about photography, creativity, or how social impact art changes lives, this episode is a must-listen.

Show Notes:

If you’re passionate about photography, creativity, or how social impact art changes lives, this episode is a must-listen.

Show Notes:

Previous Episode

Photographing Abandoned Roadside Attractions with Ken Lee

Night photographer Ken Lee specializes in capturing the beauty of abandoned places through long exposure and light painting techniques. His work has been featured in numerous photography publications, including National Geographic Books, Omni Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and Westways Magazine. He has spent years exploring forgotten locations—from deserted buildings to rusting vehicles—bringing them to life with carefully crafted lighting. With a deep appreciation for history and storytelling, Ken transforms these overlooked spaces into mesmerizing works of art.

In this episode, we talk about his new book Abandoned Roadside Attractions. We dive into the world of photographing these forgotten landmarks—how to find them, the ethical considerations of shooting in these locations, and the creative techniques that tell their stories. Ken shares his approach to composition, lighting, and the challenges of working in unpredictable environments. If you’ve ever been drawn to the mystery of abandoned places or want to learn how to capture them in a compelling way, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.
Show Notes:

Ken Lee’s website
Ken Lee Instagram
Ken Lee's book: Abandoned Roadside Attractions: Under a Southwest Moon
Next Episode: Turning Art Into Impact: How Liz Powers of ArtLifting Is Changing Lives

Next Episode

Big Photo Hunt Member Spotlight: Photographer Leo Lopez

Leo Lopez is a photographer and educator based in Spain’s Canary Islands, after spending a year living in Australia and Thailand. His recent evolution—from observing quiet moments through street photography to setting up stylized shoots with models and planned locations—marks a meaningful shift in how he approaches photography.

In this episode, Leo and I dive into his creative journey: how his background shaped his style, why teaching photography has made him better at it, and whether most photographers are actually introverts. We also talk about his recent projects, like shooting Muay Thai fighters in Chiang Mai and the female surf scene in the Canary Islands. Plus, I share my love for the dreamy photography coming out of places like the Amalfi Coast and Capri.

If you’re on your own photography path, exploring new genres, or just curious to hear how another Big Photo Hunt member is growing as a photographer, this one’s for you.

Show Notes:

Leo Lopez’s Instagram: @palidotropico
Leo Lopez’s Website: palidotropico.com

Next episode: Justine from The Justine Files (@JustineFiles)

Big Photo Hunt - Turning Art Into Impact: How Liz Powers of ArtLifting Is Changing Lives

Transcript

00:00:00:09 - 00:00:23:10

It's just shocking in a good way, how this really tiny seed of an idea of let's celebrate people's talents has really taken off of people wanted the chance to support artists with disabilities. They just didn't have a bridge to connect with them.

00:00:26:14 - 00:00:47:26

Welcome to the Big Photo Hunt Podcast, a show where we talk with aspiring and professional photographers to help us all grow and improve our photography together. I'm your host, Ke