"Who am I to do this?"

It's a question that haunts nearly every creative journey, and one that Weston Mossman, founder of Liminal Space Collective, knows intimately. In this revealing conversation, Weston takes us through his transformation from Silicon Valley engineer to community arts facilitator—a path marked by self-doubt, permission-giving, and ultimately, profound purpose.

The story begins with a childhood white lie about a guitar CD that led to lessons, which sparked a lifelong creative practice. Despite this passion, Weston spent years in tech startups, executing others' visions while questioning his own identity. "I was making a lot of money... and I was the most depressed I've ever been," he shares with striking candor. It wasn't until COVID forced a reckoning that he moved to Santa Cruz and began attending art meetups on Sunny Cove Beach.

There, Weston confronted a paradox many creatives face: though he couldn't go a week without making music, he refused to call himself a musician. "What I am is an engineer," he'd insist. The breakthrough came through a simple yet revolutionary act—giving himself permission to identify as an artist before mastery, before validation. This single shift unlocked possibilities that eventually birthed Liminal Space Collective, creating environments where others could experience similar transformations.

Perhaps the most powerful metaphor Weston offers comes from his breathwork practice: "My life is the forest, the path, the mountain." When climbing your own mountain—the one aligned with your deepest values—even the hardest work feels meaningful. This philosophy now drives Convergence, a summit launching August 16th where Santa Cruz creatives and organizations can "practice thriving" through experiential learning that combines neuroscience, design thinking, and playful collaboration.

Whether you're questioning your creative identity, building community, or seeking meaningful work, this conversation offers a compelling roadmap for giving yourself permission to become who you truly are. Visit convergencecourses to join the journey.