I am still stunned and reeling from the realization that I've actually 'won' an art contest....and now the lovely Sherry Smyth has posted an interview about me over at Mind Wide Open.
She asked me some questions that led me into talking about myself and my view of art. It was an uncomfortable experience for me in that being called an 'artist' is a new identity for me and felt pretentious. I constantly feel like, when it comes to art, I have no idea what I'm doing!!
When I became a wife and mother I threw myself into those roles. I read books about successful marriages, parenting and child development. I studied and interviewed people who's marriages and parenting skills I admired. I prayed A LOT! And as I became more adept at being a wife and mom, I became more sure of myself and was passionate about it. I would incorporate other's ideas, but would alter and embellish them to fit with our family--taking in my personalty and temperament along with my family's--and make it my own.
After emailing Sherry my response to her questions, she wrote back with THE most encouraging and thoughtful note that I printed it out to post in my studio to refer to again and again. God used her to speak my heart language--the exact words I need to hear to "push me over the edge" so to speak and become passionate about my art. I had been so intimidated by others art. Instead, I realized that I can be INSPIRED by other people's art-- something similar, but (taking in my personality and temperament), embellish it and alter it and MAKE IT MY OWN!!
I get it!! I've always felt being a wife and a mom was a creative process, tho very obscure--I would strive to bring romance and fun and surprises into it.
So why oh why have I had all this angst about being an artist? Maybe because I didn't think it looked obvious--like Christie Repasy, Thomas Kincaid, etc. Basically an artist is just a creative person. So I'm off the hook, because everyone, then, is an artist. Our Creator instilled that ability in all of us. It just manifests differently in all of us.
Well, I've really put myself out there. Got really vulnerable with you. But it's been cleansing for me to be honest with you. And I hope it will encourage someone.
And, if you've read through all this and still want to read my interview--God Bless You--you can go here.
Julia over at Hooked on Houses is hosting a Holiday Tour. Be sure to check out the other fun tours that are going on over there!
Here is our front entry. I was going for a "Winter Wonderland" kinda feel...
We're in the front door..Courtney (my daughter) decorated the tree...see the red coat by the archway? Stay tuned for a story about that!! ;-)
...and on into the Family Room--Courtney decorated pretty much all of it. I was thrilled to have help. I think she did a fabulous job! Thanks so much, Sweetie!
All I added was this vintage soda pop holder--filled it with candles instead of soda bottles.
On into the kitchen--here is a sampling of my snowman collection...
And the small silver Christmas tree I got a the Dollar Store last year..
A view of the kitchen table and buffet..
The garland over our kitchen window--I go with pastels in the kitchen to blend with the wallpaper and tile. Here I can still express the pink side of my personality!! :-)
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