Many years ago, I had a business as a professional seamstress working from home. Having my own business allowed me the freedom to pick and chose projects, as well as freelance at a local costume shop making Mardi Gras costumes. I enjoyed using my ability to sew and it gave me the opportunity
to take care of the children when needed. I was as creative as I wanted to be when I costumed for both South of the Saltline Theater and later, Jo Jefferson Playhouse. I did costumes for as high as 42 people with 6 costume changes!
I say had because I no longer sew professionally.
You see, a drunk driver took care of that part of my life with 2 herniated discs and nerve damage in my right arm in February of 1993.
I tell you this dear reader, because I have managed to become even more than I ever imagined.
When the seamstress went away, the artist and painter came back.
About 8 months after the accident, near my birthday I asked for and was given oil paints to begin creating paintings. I also found a lovely instructor and started taking classes in Mobile. I started out painting with the class, then breaking out on my own to design my own works of art. I also had the chance to teach when our instructor broke her back getting out of a house fire. I also began working at an Art store next door to the art studio in Mobile for several years. Eventually, I started selling and entered my first big show in 2007.
The National Shrimp Festival was a game changer for me on so many levels. I began working harder to find a style of my own and my focus turned toward marine life on a grand scale. This will be my 11th year at the festival, and I am no less excited than when I did my first one! Each year, we tweak things a little more than the year before and this year will be no different.
12 days left until one of the best shows on the Gulf Coast!
Todays "painting" Fish extenders, purses, mickey eared hats, and t shirts
for our daughter going on a Disney cruise.
Day 89 of the 100 days~100 paintings
