Let’s see… I’ve been a file clerk, a receptionist/shoe model, a secretary, a print production coordinator/manager/buyer, an office manager, a business partner, a project manager, a team leader, a supervisor, a business manager, and, not to forget, an ongoing wife, mom, grandma (Amma), sibling, and friend.  Now that I’ve been retired for 16 months, why another career?  Haven’t I done enough?  Don’t I deserve to relax?

I have a very pragmatic brain and have never considered myself to be artistic, although Steve will argue that I am creative.  Yes, I can combine random ingredients into a nice meal without a recipe (only after years of reading recipe books, watching cooking shows on TV, and experimenting); I can sew nice things from a pattern (learned that from a young age from my mother); I’ve made some lovely cross stitch pieces (self-taught but from a pattern and detailed instructions); I can create an okay garden (had some help from a designer and am great at maintaining).  And I have my singing voice and intermediate ability to play a ukulele. 

But I desperately wanted to be good at something classified as “visual art”.  I know my limitations.  I can’t draw, paint, or sculpt, and I suck at ceramics and collage.  But… many, many years ago (maybe 30-35!!!) I tried a stained glass class (with a friend, just for something to do together) and not only found that medium fascinating but also realized that I might be able to actually do something visually appealing.  I took it more seriously in 2013 and, on and off since then, I’ve taken lots of courses – some once a week over a few months, some a full week at a time (Haliburton School of the Arts, better known as Adult Camp), and some random instruction from a couple of favourite local resources.  I’ve watched YouTube videos – lots and lots of YouTube videos – and I’ve subscribed to a few groups through Facebook where I’ve picked up many tips and tricks (not to mention ideas). 

Speaking of picking up ideas – I definitely DO NOT have the idea gene – my life changed the day I discovered Pinterest.  I’m not talking plagiarism here, I’m actually talking about ideas, concepts if you will.  And as a friend of mine is in the habit of saying, “there is nothing new under the sun”.   Even some recent painting shows we’ve been watching (to support Steve’s artistic genius – but that’s his story to tell) claim that every well-known painter throughout history has copied from other well-known painters who came before.  I digress.  Or, I’m just still trying to justify using other people’s ideas. 

As you might imagine, it’s difficult to dedicate yourself to your budding artistic outlets when you’re working full time (outside and inside the home).  In an extremely inconsistent fashion these past eight years, I’ve made many items and have gifted most of them.  I call those my practice pieces, the ones where I made most of my mistakes.  But the recipients seemed to be happy enough with them.  And as I posted these various “masterpieces” up on Facebook, several people asked if they could purchase them.  I was not ready for that added stress.

So now, I find myself with the luxury of time (despite a year-long plus pandemic), and with the desire to continue to create my little works of art and to challenge myself to move beyond my comfort zone.  Where selling them was once a thought I was not willing to even consider, that subconscious thought has been percolating around in my wee brain for a few years and has now surfaced – a thought both exciting and terrifying.  Gifting is one thing and selling is another.  How would I do that?  Would people want what I have to offer?  How do I price my pieces to represent something handcrafted yet affordable?  But most frightening of all, am I good enough?  Only one way to find out. 

I’m now open for business.  YIKES!!!

Some well-received gifts have been garden stakes that stand approximately 4’ above the ground.  It’s difficult to gift an item that’s meant to hang or sit inside someone’s decorated home but much easier to gift one that is meant for outdoors – to plunge into a lawn or a garden.  I had three wrought iron frames left over from last summer so decided to start with those.  

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Through casual conversations with friends, as I post this, I’m thrilled to report that the Bees on Honey Comb and Finches in Birch Tree are no longer available.  Lilies still is.

In describing these large garden stakes to one of my sisters, she asked me to make smaller ones that she could insert into flower pots on her balcony.  I’ve considered that a “commission” even though I’m only charging her for shipping (she lives in Vancouver and glass is heavy) because it was a request, not something I chose to do to surprise her.  She was surprised anyway because she left the subject matter up to me.  She says she loves them and I think they look more adorable in place than sitting on my workbench.

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Inspired by those, I now have three more short stakes available – a Happy Duck and two Honey Bees.   

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Recently, I had cataract surgery on my right eye and have restrictions on my activities to ensure the healing goes well.  I also have an additional six large garden stake frames on order, expected by the end of May.  As such, I’m currently spending time at my laptop, and with paper, to work on new designs for both the large and small stakes.  I’m open to suggestions… 

Working on a couple of other outdoor ideas, too.

Throughout this long, drawn out artistic journey, what have I learned about my visual artist self so far?  I struggle with ideas and I know I can’t draw.  But I can borrow ideas and modify them to create my own designs – an unexpected and rewarding discovery.  I’m also learning how to make patterns from my own photographs – go me!  And I believe I create pleasing colour palettes for my pieces.  I feel this is an encouraging start to realizing my visual artist dream.

P.S.  I’ve created and uploaded a separate album on my Facebook page in which I’ve added many pictures of the pieces I’ve made over the years. It includes candle holders, lamps, sun catchers, and hanging panels in addition to the outside garden items.  It’s public so can be shared.  Should give everyone a good indication of what I’m capable of as well as the quality.  I’ll keep it updated as new “stock” becomes available.  Browse away and do PM me if you have any interest in supporting my retirement career.