Fear Not

This journey in to the art world has really been something special to me. I have had many moments of fear and insecurity along the way and the interesting thing is that I have received messages from different people that I feel have been directed toward me. The first one came from Sir Elton John. No, I don't know him personally :) but I did hear an interview during which time he expressed his fear of beginning a new stage of his life by retiring from performing and instead focusing on his family and his writing. Wow! If Sir Elton John still feels that way about something new, after all of his success and still pushes forward, I certainly can… right?

The second person to have a message of encouragement for me has been my Pastor, Gwen Mader. Every one of her sermons has been impactful in my life but there is one in particular that changed the way that I look at things. She stated that as we face different phases in our lives we sometimes need to step out the boat we’re in, face our fears, take risks. This meaningful sermon also reminded me of the song “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns: “To Step out of my comfort zone, into the realm of the unknown, where Jesus is, and He’s holding out His hand”. That’s three places that I can say directly relate to my new adventure. I know the song was not written for me and that Sir Elton John was not talking to me, but each of those things has been very encouraging to me.

In addition, I have been reminded how powerful our words are. To quote another song, this time “Words” by Hawk Nelson: “Words can build you up, Words can tear you down, start a fire in your heart, or put it out”.

Encouraging words from an interview, a sermon, a song… wherever they come from, hold on to them. Hold them in your heart. Maybe those words will turn into a spark that will ignite a fire of passion that will drive you to a new adventure.

Art.... to me.

I know that some believe art to be frivolous.  That's fine. To me though art is in my blood. It defines me. I'm always making something and usually have a mess around me. I love the quote by Paul Klee: "color and I are one. I am an artist." I love color. I used to live in a red house and my bedroom was purple and yellow (complementary colors:-) I think that is why glazing is such a challenge for me. I want to choose the perfect color or colors for the form. I don't know if I'm there yet but I think I'm on the right track.

One other thought for today. I am obsessed with the TV show ER. I can relate everything in my life to that great show. The scene is this: An elderly Mrs. Benton asks her son Peter if he still wants to be a doctor. Peter says "Ma, I am a Doctor." She looks lovingly at her son and tells him that his talent is God's gift to him. What he does with that talent is his gift back to God. I love that. Like I said above, I know that some believe art to be frivolous. That's fine. To me, though, I think of my ability to create art as a gift from God. I hope that He is pleased.

From the Red River Valley to The Salt River Valley

Okay. So, it's just like it sounds. I was born, raised and lived in the Red River Valley of the North for most of my life. I have been so blessed in my life to have been surrounded by people who have encouraged me to be creative. It's who I am. I am always making something. Pottery of course, but also drawing, painting, jewelry and greeting cards. I went to Art School at Moorhead State University and taught art for twenty four years. Wow, that's a long time. While teaching I wasn't able to do much art of my own. I felt like I gave everything I had creatively to my students. And I loved it. My circumstances have changed. I am not longer teaching and now live in the Salt River Valley. I am now able to devote my time to my own art. And I love it.