Artist Statement:
First of all, I would like to address my background. Both of my parents are unbelievably creative people. My mother is very artistic and musical. She has spent a great deal of her life sharing her talents with many grateful students {including myself} who have grown to
appreciate art and music more than ever, thanks to her innovative teaching styles and passion for her work. My father is also very musical and creative, having received a doctorate in music composition.
My parents raised me and my three siblings in a very rich and cultured household. Vivaldi, Debussy and Stravinsky were just some of our favorites growing up. My father also read
fantastic literature to us almost every night of the week. I am pleased to say, one of my earliest memories is feeling pride for Éowyn of Rohan when she slayed the Witch-king.
Both of my parents also come from very creative backgrounds as well. My late grandfather was actually talented in many aspects, one being that he was a painter. He had an incredible style and I am proud to carry on his legacy.
Now, I would like to address myself as an artist. I create simply because when I do not, I can not function adequately. Most of my life I have felt like I was in a sort of cage. I was trapped by this or that obligation taking up almost all of my time, not allowing me enough moments to spare clearing my mind and heart of all of the creativity filling me so completely. It was as if I was drowning from the inside. Sometimes I was able to find a small outlet here or there to drain my artistry, giving me a little room to breathe. For the most part however, like most artists, I have never had the complete artistic freedom and time to do all the things necessary for me to be able to sleep at night.
I was finally able to leave my ‘cage’ last September. I had been working as a sales rep at ATT for about a year and a half. It was a fine job, but I simply did not have enough time for my creativity. A string of unfortunate incidents occurred over the course of the year 2013,
leading to my diagnosis of diabetes. It was devastating at the time, and I am still processing everything, but when all the dust settles, I thank God for everything that happened. I was able to quit my job and immediately begin to use the skills and passions God gave me. It took me a couple months to get on my feet, but with the support and encouragement of my loved ones and God, I can now call myself a successful freelance graphic designer and visual artist.
I can see now that I had put myself in that cage. God never wanted me in there. In fact, the door was open the whole time. He has been trying to coax me out of it for years. I was afraid to leave. I didn’t trust that He would take care of me. Now that I am free and I am using the gifts He gave me, I can see Him taking care of me. Not only that, but He is taking care of me by allowing me to do what I love. I have never felt such extraordinary love.
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. Psalm 63:3