The Way I Was Called to Art

When I was 19 years old I experienced an acute illness that required I stay at home for many months. That was the beginning, really, of a life awakening, my life awakening to the dreams of my heart. To this day I am still quite shy with new people until I am able to find the golden thread between us, the honey of humanity that connects us. Art eases that path of connection for me. As I believe it does for all humanity.

Prior to my illness I was on track to become a journalist. At that point in my life I had no idea I was an artist. I simply felt a growing longing in my breast and an ache in my bones. Something the Germans Call- sehnsucht.

My body recovered by the age of 20 and I was preparing still to return to University and study journalism. I was offered a scholarship and talking with the counselors, all the while this sehnsucht continued growing inside of me.

Finally I heard the voice of my longing on a trip to the Atlantic one night with my friends. Looking out over the horizon into the vast black seawater I knew my next move and it wasn’t University.

“I want to go back to Germany and learn to paint from my mom.” this longing within me said.

“And so you will.” the sea answered back.

And So I did. I boarded a plane and went to sit at her feet, the feet of my mother.  And I asked  her to teach me. Which she thankfully accepted. She was and still is a great teacher to me. She allowed me a great deal of freedom to develop my own voice. Introducing me to mediums and allowing me to develop my skills and style as I was called. <Con’t Reading>