As We Close Out One Year and Begin A New. I know I Have So Much to be Thankful For. Goodbye 2024.12/27/2024 As we turn the page to 2025, I can’t help but feel a wave of gratitude for an unforgettable year. I know it’s a bit cliché, but looking back, I realize how much I achieved, often without the recognition it deserved. One of my proudest accomplishments has been the artwork I created. At the start of the year, I promised to engage more with social media while staying true to my artistic vision. And I can genuinely say I delivered on that promise. When the temptation to chase trends and pay the bills loomed over me, I stayed focused. I revisited my sketchbook, embraced regular drawing sessions, and began to observe the beauty around me—plants, flowers, and fields that had previously gone unkept. The result? My artwork is finding its way into more homes than I ever imagined. This year, I participated in five markets, which have opened doors to exciting opportunities for the year ahead. Alex and I tackled a year full of hard work on our farm. Between the mud and the infrastructure challenges, we became well-acquainted with the highs and lows of our land. After dealing with floods in July and again in the fall, we finally made headway against our water woes. Once a leaky mess, the old barn is a place of promise. We buttoned up the old place with a stunning glass door at the entrance. While my studio may not be moving anytime soon, seeing the barn take shape according to my vision is incredibly satisfying. Although Alex’s pumpkin fields didn’t yield fruit this year, they became a wildlife sanctuary. On any given day, I spotted an incredible array of creatures: rabbits, turkeys, groundhogs, chickens, deer, a curious fox, and, of course, our English lab Augustus! We gained two little kittens, Julian and Ricky, who never seem to sit still and continuously get involved in mysterious situations. My garden flourished like never before, producing more harvest than I knew what to do with. Sharing the bounty with others was a true gift, and I found myself cooking with ingredients I grew—a whole new world of cooking delight! This experience was an unexpected high that breathed new life into my art. Inspired by my bountiful harvest, my pottery evolved as well. I crafted larger and broader serving bowls, whipped up butter bells and trays, and even threw oil bottles and sea salt containers. My herb stripper bowls became a must-have, significantly since I grew so much rosemary and thyme that I needed a quick way to harvest it all. They were a hit among friends, and I loved sharing summer supplies of herbs with them. Creating something from scratch has always been a part of my identity, and this year made that more evident than ever whether it’s through my pottery or my gardens. As I enter the new year, I know change is on the horizon, but I’m filled with hope and excitement for what’s to come. My heart is whole because of the unwavering support of my wonderful husband, my amazing sisters, and my parents. I can’t wait to see how we continue to flourish together.
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As an artist, I have always found art markets to be crucial for my survival in the art world. These markets provide me with a platform to sell my work, generate income, and gain exposure to potential buyers. Without art markets, I would struggle to sustain my artistic practice and financially support my creative endeavors. Selling at art markets is not just about making money; it's about connecting with patrons who appreciate and support my art. When individuals take the time to visit markets, browse through the artwork, and make a purchase, it means the world to me as an artist. Your support and appreciation fuel my passion for creating art and inspire me to continue pursuing my artistic dreams. I want people to know how appreciative artists are for their support. Every purchase, every kind word, and every bit of encouragement from individuals at art markets means so much to us. It's not just about the transaction; it's about the meaningful connections that are formed between artists and patrons through art. So, to all the those who visit art markets and support artists like me, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. Your support not only helps me as an artist but also contributes to the richness of our cultural landscape. Thank you for recognizing the value of art and for being a part of my artistic journey. Visit my events page to find out where I will be popping up next. Fall art markets are in full swing. From cinnamon-spiced latte to a brewmaster's unique pumpkin-brewed beer, markets help artists make a living and give us fuel to keep pushing. Closing the book on Summer and looking forward to bomb fires, winery tours, and football gives me the pep needed to finish the year. Inspiration for future works comes from my experiences and conversations throughout this time of year. Recently, I have been working on a KC Chiefs Football series that I intend to keep in my collection for the long term. I continue with floral motifs on mugs, vases, and pitchers. The delicate petals of the flowers are becoming the focal point of my designs. The feminine, delicate, and gracefulness of peonies, tulips, and snowdrops give me a sense of whimsy that I look forward to exploring. My first Fall market is at Long Row Lavender Farm in Wright City Missouri. Come join me for this one day market from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. My dad resides right down the road, so I secretly hope he rides in on his horse. Wouldn't that be something?   After years of searching for our dream property in northern Missouri Alex and I stumbled upon a neglected house nestled among towering trees only a mile down the road from our home. The old property had seen better days, that was for certain. The overgrowth was rampant, and the barn was filled with an assortment of forgotten items. But there was something about it that drew us in – perhaps it was the solid bones of the house or the untamed beauty of the surrounding woods. We made the bold decision to purchase the property, knowing that it would be a project unlike any other. With the help of friends and family, we spent months restoring the house, clearing the land, and breathing new life into the neglected property. It was an arduous journey, but it was also incredibly rewarding. As each season passed, we watched in awe as the property transformed before our eyes. Living here for a full year allowed us to truly embrace the beauty of the changing seasons. The arrival of spring brought a burst of color and the sweet melody of nature coming to life. As well as the smelling onion batch I'm still deciding if I should keep. Summer was a time of heat, rain, and infrastructure maintenance. Autumn painted the trees in stunning shades of orange and gold. Winter draped the property in a serene blanket of snow. We spent our time exploring the woods and uncovering hidden treasures. Despite the challenges that came with restoring the old property, there was an undeniable magic in calling it our home. Every morning, I treasured walking through the woods with a steaming cup of coffee, taking in the sights and sounds that had become so familiar to us. As time passed, I found myself increasingly intrigued by the history of our home. Every discovery in the woods hinted at the lives of those who had once walked the same paths we did. This curiosity led me to schedule a session at the local historical society, eager to uncover the stories and secrets that lay within the walls of the property we now called home. Looking back, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the journey we had embarked upon. The old property has not only become a home to us but also a testament to our perseverance and the beauty of embracing the unknown. I'm working on restoring this charming old barn. It's been quite the journey so far! Initially, I thought it would be manageable, just time-consuming and expensive. But, as I started making progress, I realized water is a major challenge. I'm trying to make the building watertight, look good, and stay within a budget, which isn't easy. Despite setbacks, I'm determined to overcome this hurdle. I'm also excited to incorporate some natural stone from the property into the barn's design. I'm planning to build a stone wall to keep water away from the entrance. I'm still figuring it all out, but with Alex's help, I'm optimistic about making it work. Water is a formidable force, capable of nurturing life and wreaking havoc. As I stand on the threshold of the barn, I realize that before I can delve into any additional tasks that await me, I must first wrestle the water situation into submission. The intricacies of the issue are best laid bare in the video, but let’s hope that a simple french drain will suffice to solve this pressing dilemma. Fingers crossed!Today's stroll to the barn felt particularly magical. The windows have been installed, and they are nothing short of breathtaking. Ironically, I've always dreamed of transforming an old church into my home, and now, with these stunning windows in place, my barn is starting to embody that very vision. |