As a child, I began my artistic journey at the early age of ten. My spirit as an entrepreneur had me pulling a red wagon around our neighborhood displaying personalized painted household items. I painted names on hairbrushes, combs, measuring cups, toothbrushes and many other items for my neighbors.
I graduated from Texas Tech University with a BA in fashion Design and a minor in art. For as long as I could remember, I yearned to embellish clothes with artful designs. At the age of 22 I started my “adult” business, Artful Attire in Dallas Texas. I silkscreened garments for such companies as Roper, Panhandle Slim, and the music duo Brooks and Dunn.
Ever since I was in college at Texas Tech University, I learned that my life was truly inspired by art. Little did I know I wasn’t “feeling” art within myself, art was purely and simply only knowledge. I always had a drink of alcohol on my drafting table as I worked. I was drinking more and more at this time. My parents were telling me to go to AA but I was in overwhelming fear that I would not be able to create art without a drink. After all, drinking and creativity went hand in hand in my book.
It wasn’t until I went to Hazelden and sobered up that I was taught about letting go and letting God. God was to be my director. With God as my director, I was given a spiritual way of living my new life. My recovery brought new perspective into my designs like never before.
I belief in my heart today that God as I understand God opened my mind and freed my creativity. I began to feel my art within myself for the first time in my life. I entered the realm of Spirit where I believe my creativity comes from. I believe art comes through me not from me.
After Fellowship Club I remained living in St. Paul to stay with my newfound sober friends. As they say, if it’s not broken don’t fix it… I didn’t want to go back to my old playmates and play places. Little did I know my sobriety set me free.
