In 1989 I got into my little, old, diesel pickup and drove west. My trip to Europe made me curious about the light in the Northwest. I knew how to camp and paint, so I geared up and headed out for five weeks. The Tetons took my breath away. I camped at Jenny Lake. I used stretcher bars repeatedly, stretching canvas with thumbtacks. I painted 22 pieces with three sets of stretcher bars. I fell in love with painting in wilderness.
Working near the entrance of the Austin Children's Museum was a thing of pure joy. The kids wonder and excitement made me think of my own formative art experiences. Childhood is a time of realizing the power and magic of art. I was blessed by parents that encouraged my talents. How they found the time to recognize and support me, with seven other kids, has always left me grateful. This encouragement was reenforced by educators in elementary, jr. high, and high school. To this day I cannot type because Ms. Gerund (god bless her), at Johnston Junior High petitioned to allow me two semesters of freshman art. My birthdays were always filled with art supplies and books. I wanted to be an artist at an easel. That is what I saw in those kids eyes....mini me.
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