Creative Canvas Center

As an artist, I create beautiful pieces of art and crafts that usually solve a challenge in my life or the life of others.

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For example, I create personalized gifts, home decor, Vacation Bible School and theater scenes, and decorations for sporting events, church receptions, and birthday parties. I love books and being creative and what I could do with Art. Unfortunately, Art as a career was not looked upon as a practical, possible, or financially worthwhile venture. It was a hobby, even though I got a Minor in Fine Arts.  However, I always approached all my work, family, community, church, and personal activities creatively, and found a way to use my gifts and talents in some way throughout the years and generate a side income. As a result, I have a very eclectic portfolio.

 

I love to do things myself, or at least try new techniques or materials to produce or reproduce an idea. I also appreciate doing more for our environment where I can, so I have been looking for more creative ways to reduce, reuse, recycle, and upcycle from 'trash'. I call it my Eco Art, and currently, I am finding it fun to experiment with new ways to embellish or create with glass, in particular, wine bottles. First, I have fun drinking the wine. Then, I am amazed at all the things I can do with 'trash' that transforms into something beautiful.  I think that's what I love most about art, each piece goes through a transformation. I compare it to the growth from a chrysalis to a butterfly. And if I allow myself to let go and connect with my higher power, I too go through a transformation. This is why I began to see the time I spent creating as more spiritual.

 

I do not really have a specific method for my creative process, however, I typically have a prompt or inspirational picture to gather my materials.  If I don’t have all the materials in-house, I will take this an opportunity to visit my favorite art stores, Michael’s and Hobby Lobby.  Sometimes this is a dangerous venture for me because I will get distracted by more inspirational ideas.  When I finally get home, I clear a spot, set my music, and dive in.  Not all my projects are done in one setting, it all depends on the materials I am using and what it’s being used for like a gift, project, or personal use. And now, I’m creating more to sell in my new online Art shops, this process is all new, so we will find out together. 

 

Being in a new stage in life, I have been working on reevaluating my future and my purpose.  Living through and coming out of the Covid Pandemic in the United States of America has been both an opportunity to reset our priorities and has revealed a twisted, dark, sickness in our society.  This sickness has brought way too much negativity and caused too many to be forced and manipulated into separate camps.  Seeing each other as, not just other or different, but as mortal enemies. 

 

I do not believe we have to continue to live this way.  I want to be a part of the world that says no more.  Let’s reconnect and build a community through art.   By the same token, never seeing my art as more than a hobby and a side income, I convinced myself that I was not good enough to do my art full-time. For too long, I held myself back from pursuing a path as an artist. Most of us are made to believe that we are not 'real' artists because we do not possess accepted artistic geniuses like Michael Angelo or Picasso. Or it’s seen as a frivolous pastime and not a productive use of our time when we are not able to produce grand works.

 

I no longer agree with that mindset. In fact, my view has evolved through the years.   Art and Beauty are in the eye of the beholder.  Art makes us feel the world we are living in and that can be done through so many different mediums and materials in so many different ways.  None of those ways needs to be the same or always a critically acclaimed masterpiece. The Process of producing art is calming, enjoyable, and spiritual.  It reconnects us with joy, laughter, and peace.  It helps us express our emotions and experience our world.  It’s an opportunity to grow and create more than a piece of art, but to help us become better people.

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