The Reason I Create

I began drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil. My grandfather was an artist. He past that strong gene off to most of his children. They past it on to their children. All of my cousins have art talent. Now, a new generation, most of my second cousins have the gene as well as my children.

I didn't have a serious experience with a paint brush until my Senior year of High School. Ms. Triege was a great influence on me. After High School, I continued to do my daily "doodling," nothing seriously. I briefly painted my first year of marriage. It was strictly just for fun.

Four years ago, I did my first serious painting. I started out doing abstract art. Then, I decided I would share my life experiences through my painting. It was a good decision. It has been very fulfilling for me. I feel very blessed and I am glad that God has allowed me to share my gifts with the world.

Yesterday, I did the Shreveport Jazz & Blues Fest. It was my fifth year. It was only my third year showing my paintings. It was the first year I got the courage to put "most" of my eggs in one basket. I have always done a combination set up of mostly jewelry. The truth is I was just scared to step out there as a painter. After all, I am basically self taught. Most of my art friends have BS and Master's in Art.

My experience was positive. I was very glad I found my courage! I also learned something new. My art is not just about me sharing my life experiences with the world, but my customers sharing their life experience as why they love my work!

One customer gazed at my New Orleans Street car piece. Then she looked at others but went back to that one. Engaging her in conversation, she reviled that her grandfather worked on the first New Orleans Canal Street streetcar line. She shared how she had a picture of him with the crew. She then went on to tell me right after he did that he met and married his wife from Grosse Tete. They then moved to North Louisiana. The grandfather only spoke German and her grandmother only spoke French. Of course she had to have the piece.  Her story is one of many my costumers shared with me yesterday. Some love to hear my stories and some love to share theirs!

I will continue to paint "my life on canvas." I also will look forward to YOU my future customer telling me why you love one of my pieces!