Flying Lessons

Please check out the e-course by Kelly Rae Roberts here

I feel very, very fortunate that tomorrow, I begin mixed-media artist Kelly Rae Robert's e-course, Flying Lessons: Tips + Tricks to Help Your Creative Biz Soar.

I'm especially grateful for this right now because I'm at a crossroads. Living in Myanmar is providing me the opportunity to make big decisions about the direction of my career.  I'm scared.  But I know I want to  need to write.  

I need to learn how to make a living doing this, think long-term.  I want to get the children's picture book published, yet I have to think beyond that.  How will I supplement my income, but doing what I love?

This ecourse will inspire, create community, and provide solid business advice.

I found Kelly Rae Robert's art and blog while living in the Washington, DC area about five years ago. Her art touched my heart.  It spoke to me.

Each piece had a message of hope, of encouragement. Reminders that you're good enough, that you matter. They were messages I needed to hear.

I loved that many of her pieces were themed around women. This resonated with me because of my long-term career providing direct service in women's reproductive health. I was (am) passionate about women's stories. Each piece of Kelly Rae's art  told a story.

I continued following her progress and success.  After just under two years of living in DC, I moved back to Washington state. It was a tumultuous time.  

I needed something - an outlet - to help.  Yes, I was writing, but...writing cut deep and I was achy and sensitive. Kelly Rae's book, Taking Flight, was a salve to that ache. It also inspired me to play. To try painting again.

I hadn't ever thought of myself as an artist. I can't draw for the life of me. There have been a few times - long ago - that I'd painted successfully: a large mural spanning two huge walls at work (of all women) and a painting I did for my dad (of a woman).

Both of these occurred completely out of the blue. I just had a feeling one day that I could do it. That's all it was: a feeling. 

It had been years since I had felt it. But upon looking at Kelly Rae's art + reading her book, the feeling came back. I started painting. 

Look, I am not trained. I don't know a lot. I love art. Always have. But, my talent is...probably quite limited and rudimentary.

Still, like when I write, I get lost in the art. The process.  Hours pass and I have no clue. There's a rhythm. Calmness. Peace. It's like meditation. Or something. 

I created several pieces I gave away as gifts. I found immense pleasure doing this.

I was proud my piece, "Taking Root" was selected for a group art exhibition at the Peggy Lewis Gallery (Allied Arts) in Washington state during April 2011 called "Survivor."

All I know is that it feels good to paint. To create. I feel the same way about writing...but when I can't put words down, I paint. However much I fumble through it. 

It's about creating the story (the painting). It's about making it meaningful (often in a somewhat personal/cryptic way) with layers. 

All this is to say: I'm grateful to take this ecourse at this time.