The Paradox and the Purpose

This had a ringing of truth as I read it. The saying goes..."get comfortable with being uncomfortable" Right?

There's no comfort if you are growing and I've decided to be in continual growth so I've embraced this little statement.

I don't want to get stagnant, stand still, wrap up in a comfy blanket ...

(though there may be some Winter nights spent just this way)

and be constantly protected from every negative impact that may come my way in the form of target, resistance, or failure.

One of the many things I appreciate about children, particularly our Grandsons, is that they have such a sense of wonder and curiosity that it often overrides their sense of possible discomfort. It's quite engaging when you think about it. They instinctively know that it will be fun to climb that tree and reach that next branch, it'll have great reward to jump that bike over that ramp, they will experience adventure balancing precariously on that moving object.

It's the strong knowing that what is in the process and on the other side is where the richness of the moment lies even though that limb breaking, the bike crashing, and the balance failing as they fall to the ground are real possibilities, they cast it aside naively and quickly proceed.

They haven't experienced enough to have the discernment to avoid the stupid antics where the risks outweigh the results and what is purposeful or just folly.

As we mature and have experienced the falls, breaks, crashes, and wounds, we gain a wisdom and a knowledge that this could hurt, we may fail...the possibilities of failure seem to move more to the front of our conscience and often stop us in our tracks and keep us from stepping into what could be.

Every great moment seems to require a bit of risk and discernment is key.

I will confess, I've gotten a bit hardened by past hurts and have some interesting scars to show for it though some cannot be easily seen. (so true on this side of heaven for us all) I've become someone of what I'll call "sterner stuff". It's been misinterpreted and I'm ok with that. It's been misunderstood when my calling didn't fall in line with a role that filled a purpose for someone else.

It's created in me a boldness, a purpose driven sense of get it done, and a desire to share the more...The More that comes from being uncomfortable, experiencing pain, and then overcoming.

It is in the overcoming that we find out who we are and often who others are. It can be how God refines you and uses you to refine others. It's the process and I have learned to expect resistance and to trust the process because I trust my Maker. The Creator, God, is also the re-creator. He never leaves us stuck and enjoys the path with us.

My Art, Life, and Mission...are all one as far as who I am in each. Striving to have that alignment, I quickly notice when one is off and work to affirm the path I'm on.

Having a softness and a sense of curiosity and wonder, knowing that hurt and being uncomfortable is necessary, as well as a boldness to stand firm knowing Who makes me worthy and has given me a purpose, I do realize I'm a bit of a mix...a paradox if you will. Two ends of a spectrum...I'm sweet, but don't mess with my calling. I'm open, but don't stand in the way. I Love, but I'll speak truth...because I love. I'll shake the dust off my shoes and move on and pray for you as I do.

If you examine my life, you'll see it. If you view my work, you'll experience it. If you need the encouragement to draw a line in the sand, sit tall in your own seat, and move past the uncomfortable things to experience the beauty of possibility, I may be your people.

My work is created to encourage us to embrace both. The softness and open curiosity unencumbered by the possibility of pain as well as the focused strength and boldness of one with fixed eyes on mission.

Living and Thriving in a State of Wonder - Knowing and Communicating our Worth

Authentically Yours,

Pinky Promise (we'll never move again)

This pic popped up on my FB memories and I giggled. This was snapped over 5 years ago when we were on our way to our new house with the last load of belongings in the back of the car. We were completely exhausted but excited.

We, to that point, had moved over 20 times (we've lost count, truly) and we were getting ready to move into one of the most unique properties we ever dreamed that we would get to live in.

That is when we pinky promised each other that this would be our last move. We even joked that when our time on earth is done, we could just be moved to the cemetery next door...(I know, we're those people.) Seriously, we thought this was it!

Pigeon Run had everything...big open space, history, studio potential, and we loved that place, but...we realized now that maybe our assignment there was to steward that place and leave it better than we found it. We had an amazing 5 years there and if I took the time to list all the wonderful and life changing events that happened while living in that space, this blog would be too long.

My Hubby made a masterful decision that knocked me for a loop when he said, I think we should put this place on the market. What?!!! ,and a few choice other expressive words, was my answer, but put it on the market we did after praying for the people who would live there.

After a bit of a gut punch in realizing that I had the perfect studio, I resigned myself to the fact that God must have something greater in mind for us. It isn't about a house, it's about life and living that really matters.

As I sit writing this post this morning, looking out at the foggy lake view, I realize that what I think is the pinnacle, the most amazing, doesn't even touch what is to come and I find myself filled with gratitude. Gratitude for so many Friends and Family that came and helped. They lifted, moved, packed, and made decisions when I was completely frozen in this process. I've said thank you so many times but it doesn't seem to cover what I feel.

We moved from 2800 sf not including garage and studio space to 780 sf of living space. A 1966 raised ranch with an inspiring view.

She needs a little updating, (studio, kitchen update, workshop, deck and outdoor spaces, just to start) but she's a sweet little project and we are very happy here already.

Yesterday, I carved out a bit of studio space and I'm really looking forward to creating and living here.

Hubby got a good start by taking out this little half wall cabinet thingy and it opened up the space so much.

It's a beginning...We believe that if we can dream it, we can do it. I would have never guessed 3 months ago that we would have done this and made this move, but I believe there is goodness and purpose in it and we are excited to watch it all unfold.

Why Post Undone Paintings?

I'm getting ready to come and participate in the Annual Artful Blooms Garden Tour in Historic Zoar, OH and I'm spending lots of time in the studio.

(Check out the flyer at the bottom of this post for more details)

So I've been posting a lot of, in process, pieces of art and I do get asked now and then Why? Why do you post undone paintings?

Over the course of my art career, even before I even considered what I do a "career", I have really enjoyed posting paintings while they are still in process.

I adore the feeling of beginning a piece. Tearing into the plastic that surrounds a canvas, squeezing paint from the tubes onto the palette, choosing those weapons of war otherwise known as paintbrushes and mark making tools.....and.....my absolute favorite moment....Yes, putting that first directional mark on the canvas.

I typically have an idea in mind when that first mark is left and it begins, the journey of blank canvas to refined form is my passion, even more so than when the final details make the piece reach it's finale. This is often the reason that I can have up to 4 paintings in process all at one time.

I've posted so much on Instagram, Facebook, and in stories and reels about these processes because I get so excited to share this moment with you.

I want you to be as excited as I am about how each mark, brushstroke, and color, all of those elements of art work together to create a piece that speaks encouragement, power, life!

What speaks at the end of the process is the culmination of layers represented by moments that happened in the process of creating.

Though the end result is the goal, the execution during the journey of the process is where it all happens. I receive inspiration and release it back and am taught and grow with each layer and I am grateful to just be a part of it all.

Please join me to see some of these end results along with so many wonderful local artists who will be displaying their work at Artful Blooms Garden Tour in Historic Zoar Ohio June 19th 11-4

I hope to see you there!

Artfully Yours, Tina