ABout

From an early age, I have had a “creative” side. As I have grown up, I have enjoyed digging into that creative and inspired side of me, as it is a big contrast from my relatively scientific, methodical, academic mind. The process of coming up with an idea, then working hard to complete a “final product” is gratifying beyond what words could capture.  

Art isn’t a novel interest or hobby for me; for instance, before going to college in 2017, I painted a lot of canvases as graduation gifts. I also regularly make art for friends and family as gifts (such as a bookmark I made for my mom and a decoupaged storage container). Rather than buying cards and stationery, I prefer to draw birthday cards and thank you notes so they are personal. I have learned that art is a thoughtful, unique way to show appreciation for others even when where there is no “occasion” to do so. Additionally, I much prefer creating my own artwork for my wall décor as opposed to buying art at a store. Overall, I love how there is an infinite number of forms of creative expression.  

However, because my academic endeavors have been my primary focus for the last 5 years (I just finished up my Master’s of Science in Athletic Training this May 2022), my interest in art was limited to art “benders” over summer and winter breaks when I had the time and energy to commit to projects. At these times, when I had the most time and the least academic responsibility, I frequently experienced bursts of inspiration; waves of desire to express myself in creative ways; and in particular, as I grew in faith, spurts of excitement about creatively displaying the Word of God. But any time the school semester began and I was deep in school or clinical, I did not make time for art.  

This May 2022, I found out I had a significant hip injury which warranted surgery. After I learned more about my injury, a few days of frantic yet thoughtful deliberation passed, and ultimately I made the bittersweet decision to defer my spot in the graduate Physical Therapy (DPT) program, which I had committed to back in October 2021. I say “bittersweet” because while I was incredibly torn about this decision and disappointed with deferring for a year, I have also found inexplicable peace through it all. I have increasingly seen the many blessings that have and will come about as a result of staying at home for a year. One of the many positives about a deferral is the opportunity to take up this hobby that I love but have never made time for, and to make something of it – to share my art with others.  

In this season of life (Spring-Summer 2022), my physical body has been forced to halt to a stop – but my mind has kept running. Because of this surgery, I now have the time and energy to devote myself to creative art and design -- a therapeutic, enjoyable, fulfilling endeavor. I am also learning the value of emotional and spiritual health apart from physical health. For a long time, in some ways, I believe I struggled to find joy apart from physical activity. Because I’ve been physically forced to slow down (a pace I am NOT used to at all, but that I am becoming more appreciative of), I have realized that the upcoming year is a phenomenal opportunity to improve my spiritual and emotional well-being. One of the ways I am able to do so is through creative expression. 

My inspiration comes from the word "poiema," which is greek for “art”, “handiwork," or “workmanship”. In the Biblical context, it is used in Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Other translations use the word “masterpiece,” “workmanship,” or “creation” in the place of “handiwork”.  

My mission is not just about me. To sum up, my mission in this business is to use my gifts for the Glory of God! (but you do not have to be “religious” by any means to buy art!)

 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31  

I feel that I have the gift of a creative mind, and I really want to use it for something bigger than myself. “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10 

One idea that I recently decided I want to pursue is donating 10% of my earnings to charity – and the charity that will receive the donation will be the choice of the individual buying the art.