ABOUT THE ARTIST
Growing up in the back of my parents’ photography studio, I always said that one day I would 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 each season of life has allowed.
Without realizing it, I studied the art of portraiture simply by living within the walls of our photography business. Learning our trade—photography—was important to me, but learning this craft has always been my passion. There is a sense of godliness and reverence in pausing to observe creation and then trying to recreate it in your own way. When I observe a face or a hand and think of the greatness it took to create that human, it feels like an act of worship to mirror His work through art.
Having four kids at home learning under my feet every day, I’ve truly come to appreciate the rewarding—and often challenging—work of living life together. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it’s emotional. Sometimes we get it all right, and other times we get it all wrong. But we’ve learned to make our passions and aspirations a part of how we grow and learn.
I want my kids to see what it means to be passionate—about their work, their craft, their calling, or whatever they put their hands to now and in the future. I’m so blessed to watch them grow into their own interests and pursuits. I've always wanted to be sure they see me enjoying something I do just for me.
Painting has been difficult to maintain during certain seasons, but the drive to find peace behind the easel—even if not as often as I’d like—has often been a big "why" on hard days. If you love what you do, it never truly feels like work. My artwork requires an immense amount of patience, but I believe that patience has taught me a lot about parenting—and that parenting, in turn, has taught me even more about painting.
I’ve learned to respect the stagnant seasons and to find joy in the ones that are creative and fun. I’m so thankful I’ve never let go of the things I truly love to do.
