The Path I've Taken

I've always loved and had a passion for the visual arts, for as long as I can remember. It started when I was in Elementary School and took art classes from a gal in our neighborhood for several years. She open my eyes to all the possibilities of art! My passion continued through college where I got my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Visual Arts Studies (art education). I taught art for four years in a public school before becoming a mommy! Now I'm a stay at home mom to my 4 yr old daughter!

Jump ahead to a little over a year ago when my husband, a youth pastor, accepted a new job. It was an amazing blessing; he'd been searching for over a year for a church that was a better "fit" and God answered our prayers above and beyond what we could have hoped or imagined. So, we went through a big life change, moved, and in a way, started over. During this transition I really felt the need to search within myself and look to God to figure out what He wanted me to do as far as ministry involvement and my focus outside of my family. He really opened some incredible doors for me...I discovered the amazing world of artist's blogs and began seeing what other artists (who often were moms, wives, etc. just like me) where doing out there. I began to feel a pull back to my artistic roots which I had let go because I was "too busy" with life.

So, through visiting artist's blogs, I found YouTube and was captivated by videos of artists creating their work. I still can't get enough of watching some of my favorite artists creating! I was also led to Etsy, such an amazing place of inspiration and talent! I love seeing what other artist's have available and what a blessing to have a place dedicated to all things handmade! I LOVE it!! About this time, I also joined a book study at my church and read Pathway to Purpose, by Katie Brazelton. This book is amazing! Through it she speaks about how God has a unique and special purpose for each of us. He created us to do amazing things for His kingdom that no one else can do in the exact same way! It has become so clear to me that God has created me to create art for Him! To use the gifts He has given me to share who He is with others in a way no one else can! What an amazing honor!

So, for the first time in 10 years I've picked up a paintbrush again! I'm creating art that is inspired by God and the blessings He has placed in my life! I had the privilege of taking online painting classes from Paulette Insall, an artist whose work I just fell in love with, and learned so so much from her! (Thanks Paulette!!) Paulette's classes have been a huge impact in my journey! I never dreamed I would be taking painting classes right now! My painting focus in school/college was watercolor, so I never really felt acrylics were in my comfort zone. I have learned so much and have fallen in love with this media! I feel so content, "right where I need to be" when I am creating! This was hugely missing in my life!! I've become involved in the Visual Arts Ministry at my church, had a piece hanging in a show (so God!!) and have even had some inquires about buying my work! My hubby and I are also in the planning stages of starting a Visual Arts Ministry for the youth at our church. This is such a need that has not been available to young artists and I'm so excited to see where God is going to lead us!

So much to be excited about and thankful for! I am so humbled by the creative spirit within! I can't wait to see what is around the next bend and what the future holds! I'll post some of my work soon!! :)