Everything comes Together
"The Element is the point at which natural talent meets personal passion. When people arrive at the Element, they feel most themselves and most inspired and achieve at their highest levels." (From The Element)
The Role of Art in My Life
I can remember doing art at a very early age. It always gave me a way to find a calm space and focus on expressing how I felt at the time. I didn't realize as a child how much trauma I was experiencing in my household, but I knew art made me feel better. Verbalizing what was happening in our home was not allowed. However, somehow I was able to function in school and get above average grades. My teachers never knew the inner turmoil I was experiencing. I believe it was my connection to art and having the ability to self-regulate that helped me successfully get through my school years. Art in my adulthood has taken on different roles personally and professionally. I still use art as a method of self-regulation and personal expression, but see myself more as an art "facilitator" than an artist.
Life Changing Experiences
Life experiences, whether they are the most joyous or the most devastating, shape who we are and what we believe. My experiences with travel, friendships, being a mother, and even having pets are pieces of who I am today. Something as simple and pure as a German Shepherd named Spade can touch and teach you in ways people, places, and things never can. Though his loss was devastating, his life provided experiences of overwhelming joy, gratitude, and unconditional love. I have learned that some of the most devastating and heartbreaking experiences can be preparation for new beginnings.
New Beginnings
Letting go of the past and embracing new things can be difficult. Sometimes holding on can feel more comfortable. New beginnings do not erase the past, but they do give hope and can bring out parts of you that have been hidden, suppressed, or put on hold. Little Luka, our long-haired Dachshund, brings out the best in everyone and brightens every new day!
Do What You Love!
There is a saying that goes, "Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life." I truly feel that what I do is not work, but a mission with passion. The artistic gifts I am blessed to have are meant to be used to help others express and create. Although I am artistic, I do not consider myself an artist. I much prefer being a facilitator in other peoples' creative exploration and discovery. Watching the creative process and the healing magic that can happen gives me joy and a profound sense of pride. The picture to the left is one of those moments and represents why I love what I do.
Trust Your Intuition and Take a leap!
Listening to my gut has always been a critical part of my decision-making process. I knew for years I would have some type of studio, I just wasn't sure in what capacity. I also knew I wanted to be able to travel and take my services to different locations. One day I had the idea of creating a mobile camper/studio. I spent countless hours looking at vintage campers and cargo trailers, but decided a mobile art studio wasn't meant to be and I let the idea go. A week later my gut told me to look for a teardrop camper on Craigslist. Knowing what I do about my intuition, I rushed to my computer immediately. The little beauty to the right, sans colorful wrap, showed up in the first search! Needless to say, I made the call and the rest is history! Adding the camper to my business has been the best decision ever. It truly brings me and those who get to experience it so much joy.