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This is a photo of me at age 5 in my cap & gown, graduating from kindergarten in San Diego, CA.  

I am showing this image because this is the time in my life when I decided to become an Artist. Many people make that decision at different ages and times in their lives.  For me, the decision came at age five.   Here's my Story:

 

ORIGIN STORY

 

My first journey into art began at age 3 when I discovered pencils and the blank pages in the front and back of my parent’s books.  I wish I still had those drawings!  

 

 Art fascinated me, and at age 5 an event occurred that ignited my desire to become an artist.  My mother came to pick me up on the second day of kindergarten and was taken aside by my teacher, who informed her that I was an extremely talented young artist and that she should encourage my artistic skills.  I can remember being filled with pride and joy!  My mother patted my head and said, “Get in the car, Susie.”   That was it.   No congratulations, compliments, or mention at all of my artistic abilities.  Her reaction made me realize that my love of art was not going to be an easy road.    But that day, I knew it was going to be my lifelong pursuit.

 

There was a short period of time, at age 6, when I wanted to be a cowgirl.   I had the boots, the hat, and a vest.  But no horse (or cow) being handy, I reverted to my artist dreams.

 

By age 9 my aspiration to become an artist was absolute.  My opportunity to defend that choice came about during a conversation between the 2 leaders of my Camp Fire Girls group.   I was creating the bead design to sew on my vest.   We were supposed to choose an Indian name and   I had chosen “great artist”.   My leaders were discussing whether that would be appropriate – was I a great artist?   Bursting into their conversation, I vehemently asserted that I WAS  an artist and that I was going to grow up to be a Great Artist!  They let me have the name.  

 

I sold my first painting in ninth grade.  I was in disbelief!  I wanted to just give it away.  My art teacher told me to be proud and never underprice my art.  Good advice.

 

At 18, my biggest goal was to major in Art at College.  My parents wanted me to be a French teacher but finally told me I could study Art if I went to a teacher’s college so I could teach Art.   I took Art at a teacher's college for 1 year, then transferred to a University the next year, where I majored in Fine Art.  Being a teacher was not my goal.  Studying Art was important.  I wanted to be an Artist!

 

Those early years of passion for my art helped me through the times after college when I had to earn a living.  A few art jobs here and there, but mostly office jobs.  Then children.  I have the utmost respect for female artists who do their art while raising kids! 

 

I returned to my Art full time in 2007.  The amount of art that pours out now surprises me.  But I’ve always believed that even when we aren’t actually creating art, we are making it in our head, heart, and soul, storing it for when we can pull it out and bring it to life.   We are always looking, thinking, envisioning.  My passion is now realized because I never lost sight of my dream.  My art keeps me engaged in life and all its beauties and challenges.  I trust in my vision, and truly create for myself, with the overwhelming need to share my work, not just to sell it.        I am an Artist.  

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