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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Growing up in the back of my parents photography studio, I always said that I would grow up one day to be a portrait painter. Somehow, that little book I filled out so long ago ('When i grow up I want to be a...'), has been a driving force in keeping painting a part of my life (no matter how much or how little the season of life has allowed). Without realizing it, I studied the art of the portrait by living life within the walls of our photography business. Learning our trade (photography) was important to me, but learning this craft was my PASSION. There is a sense of godliness and reverence for creation in stopping to observe it and create it on some level yourself. When I observe a face or a hand and think of what greatness it took to create that human, it is rewarding to get to just worship through mirroring the work he did in creating all things. Having four kids at home learning under my feet daily, I have truly learned how to give thanks for the rewarding and challenging work that it is to live life 'together'. Sometimes its messy, sometimes it emotional, sometimes we have it all right, and other times we have it all wrong. We have truly learned how to make our passions and aspirations a part of how we learn. I want my kids to see what it is to be passionate about their work, their craft, their job, or whatever it is they do with their hands (now and in the future). ?I am so blessed to get to see my children grow in their own interests and pursuits. I have always wanted to be sure they see me enjoying something that I do for me. Painting has been a challenge to keep around during some challenging seasons, but the drive to find that peace behind the easel (even if its not as often as I would like) has often been a big "why" on hard days. If you love what you do, it will never feel like work. My artwork can require an immense amount of patience, but I do believe that patience has taught me a lot in parenting and that parenting has taught me even more about painting. I have learning to grown to respect the seasons that are stagnant, and to be joyful in the seasons that are creative and fun. Im so thankful that I have never let go of the things that I truly love to do.
