Me in the studio getting ready to paint.

This I envy… the professional artist who has a polished artist statement and a body of work to match.  I vary types of art, mediums, styles and subjects routinely and greatly. I then freeze with fear any time someone asks what kind of art I make. I don’t fit neatly into ANY box and it frustrates me.

I look back over my interests, accomplishments, experiences and it feels much like looking through a junk drawer. Everything is in there, but WHY is it all in there… together… in one drawer… or in this case in one life… in my life.

In spite of freaking out over my lack of a 1-minute elevator pitch and a cohesive body of work, I have come to 3 conclusions of which I am confident:

1. I know I have purpose — I have calling — I have talent and can make some pretty cool stuff that resonates with others.
2. I’ve dealt with a lot of shit in my life and have my ongoing struggles. I know what it’s like to walk through very dark experiences and I easily empathize with anyone who finds themselves on a difficult leg of their journey. Creativity is a way for me to investigate the deeper recesses of my soul. It sparks personal healing and growth and provides hope to face continued difficult life circumstances.
3. I want to make contributions to the world out of both my abilities and my experiences. I want to do this with the help of the Divine Creator God who is infinitely more undefinable and uncategorical than I’ll ever see myself. Life does not unfold for any of us without troubles — something Jesus clearly pointed out during his ministry. I find myself hanging on the words directly following his pronouncement concerning the troubles we will face. I want everything I create to ring with the encouragement Christ offers: “But take heart!”

Since I’d be so very, very bored otherwise, may it be God’s Sancta Sophia which guides me in all my continuing calling worthy scattered endeavors. And may God take great delight in sorting my “odds and ends” of a career and life when that great day comes.

Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. — Ephesians 4:1