For the last 5 years, I have made a living by traveling the country to paint live at weddings; celebrating and honoring the eternal aspect of marriage through the beauty of a live art performance.
More often than not, I continually struggle with a humbling sense of unworthiness to do what I love every day, while many talented artists feel trapped in a job they hate. I keep reminding myself “I am because He is” and this is what He has given me to do with this time. But at the end of my life, I want to know that I spent my life helping and encouraging others to believe in who they are – something in me keeps motivating me to share what I have been given. I know I need to help other talented artists find opportunities to experience the joy of live painting.
Joseph West Photography
In this American culture, built on performance, materialism and an intensely competitive spirit, I want to foster a place for artists to grow in their identity and be seen for their god-given talents. That is why I am working on developing a curriculum for artists who want to try doing live painting, but just do not know where to start, or how to get their first wedding/event.
There are thousands of photographers and videographers and other creatives doing what they love – why not encourage painters to step into the light and reveal their gifts to the world. After all, we are created in God’s image and our gifts and talents are not meant to be hoarded for ourselves or locked behind closed doors – they are meant to be shared and celebrated in the light.
“We are because He is.”
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
– Marianne Williamson
Don’t miss the workshop I am doing October 5-6 in Denver, Colorado!
Come eat and drink and paint with me:)
Comments +