“I have found that being an artist

is mostly having the courage to

keep going when the ugly shows up.”

Art and creativity have always been apart of my life, but it wasn’t until January of 2017 that I began painting with purpose.  My father was a very talented painter and I loved watching him paint as a child.  I wanted so badly to create beautiful scenes the way he did, but alas that was not my talent.  When my attempts to recreate similar work proved unfruitful, I’d scribble away all evidence of my attempts.  Off and on throughout the years I’d take up a new art form hoping to find my creative spark.  In the end, I’d be left either disappointed or uninspired.  Then in 2016 I discovered art journaling and intuitive painting.  The call became stronger than I could resist and in the late months of the year I surrendered to the unrelenting draw to paint.  As the new year began, my journey did also and I took many classes exploring a side of art I’d never experienced – Intuitive exploration and abstract expressionism.  I discovered talented artists who created beautiful things that weren’t “picture perfect”.  I was moved to emotion by strong lines, shapes, and colors that seemed almost out of place or awkward.  There was overwhelming beauty in the imperfections.  These artists, notably Mindy Lacefield and Kelly Rae Roberts, gave me the courage to show up, trust the urges that called, and they taught me to give myself permission to create.  What an incredible feeling!

I love making art.  My journey into the art community has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.  Being able to paint and create is as important to me as breathing.  The peace and joy I have come to know is something so special… spiritual even.

One of my strongest motivations in art is encouraging others to find passion and joy in their life.  I hope my journey and joy gives someone else the hope and inspiration to seek out and live their purpose.