In early 2008, I started teaching myself to paint as a literal answer to prayer in relation to ongoing struggles with depression. Painting became a concrete tether to sanity, and now it has grown all sorts of connections with people all around the world that never would have happened- at least not in the same way- without the depression.

Beauty for ashes. What feels like the end is so very often another beginning.

…….

The unpredictability of chronic illness (resulting from childhood cancer treatment) is part of my everyday. I’m so thankful for my life and all the good God has given me. It’s humbling and, admittedly, sometimes frustrating to be limited physically, but it also makes me use studio time more intentionally when I have the right kind of energy.

So, in the studio I follow my creative inklings rather than a set schedule or plan which happens to suit my personality perfectly. This intuitive approach leads me in and out of several different mediums or combinations of mediums. This meandering way of working can also create quandaries from time to time, but problem solving is one of my very favorite elements of the creative process. I learn new ways of doing things and end up with work I’d never thought of making if I had a plan first.