It is about time I started living my mantra:"Why not?"
In 2016, I have been doing just that. In 2013, I started creating art under the name of Wild at Heart Illustration. I didn't know what my goal was at the time. I just wanted to create. I wanted to feed the fire in my heart and let grow wild. I wanted to find the spark that ignites my soul in a way that I can be a light for others too. I wanted to live inspired. I wanted to share the beauty of the world and the power of imagination. I wanted to illustrate.
As a child, there was a time when I was just learning to color inside the lines. My Dad showed me how to better control a crayon using a circle motion along the line of the coloring book page. I had colored in the red cardinal to the best of my ability and asked my Dad if I should add to it. He told me "why not?" I colored the entire page with branches full of leaves and some snow flakes. I remember that exact moment like it was yesterday.
There have been many learning experiences since the cardinal. I found new layers of myself through college and into my adult life. I have been married my college sweetheart for 4 years. We have been together for almost 9. We made it out on our own and grew our family with Ruby and Wyatt. In 2015 we welcomed our darling baby girl, Jackie. When I became a mother I found a whole new level of determination and fierce confidence I hadn't known I could possess. I wanted to be an example for her later in life-with hard work and perseverance you can obtain your goals. I would be infuriated if she let other people tell her she wasn't good enough. So why on earth was I letting "other people" do that to me? I let doubt, fear, and anxiety hold me back for too long.
So I listened for the voice of my father in my mind ask "why not?" The voice began to sound a lot like my own. I started to say yes to a lot more opportunities. Seriously, the picture below is my favorite quote right now.
The past 3 years have held some surprises and I have to made connections that changed how I see my own abilities. I was recruited for Lockport Sweet Chalk Fest in the summer of 2013 because someone saw The Kind King on display in Hair Chateau. I didn't know a thing about street art but jumped in because "why not?" Four festivals later, I have learned so much and want to travel for other chalk festivals in the country.
I had an idea to make art pieces using vintage stamps. I signed up for a local vendor event because "why not?" I volunteered at UB about a month ago for more street art because "why not?" I have gained so much from each of these experiences this past summer alone. My natural curiosity has been fueled and I have looked into local art support organizations for more resources.
I want to revisit "failures" that I have had in the past 3 years. (Now would be the time where I point out that I don't believe in failure anymore.)
- I would like to re-launch my Etsy shop and get my work for sale in local businesses.
- I definitely want to revisit writing and illustrating my own books or even illustrating other author's books as a freelance artist.
- I have been approached in the past to do art lessons and I want to give that a shot. When teaching something new to a child and you see their face light up-beyond rewarding.
A couple weeks ago I applied for the 2016 Artist as Entrepreneur Boot Camp Program. This program is held at Daemen College in October. I had to supply a portfolio and business goal plan and wait for confirmation of my acceptance into he program. I had a pretty awesome Thursday last week.
I am thrilled about this adventure for Wild at Heart Illustration. Goes to show what curiosity and a little "why not?" can get you. I'm going to push myself this year to keep the "why not?" momentum going. I will keep my eyes open for more pursuits of passion and see what happens. I know my friends and family will be cheering me on. Thanks guys, as usual-stay tuned.
