Where do I start? Is this my calling? My friends and family seem to think so. From melting crayons with my nephews to making homemade lava lamps with my cousins I guess I had it in me.Creating for me is therapy, art was a way to communicate to myself how I was feeling. Then life got in the way. I started off an Art Education major. But I graduated from with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Fine Arts (sculpture). However, all the Art Education classes never really left me. My first job out of college was work for Getty Images on Michigan Ave. I researched photo's for print and publications. There I met Shelly N., she was my manager. Although I got paid pennies (could barely afford CTA tokens to get to work) I loved going because of Shelly. She appreciated my skills and never made me feel small. I knew when I left Getty that I was destined to become a "Shelly N." and create a fun and nuturing environment if I ever had to hire employees.
I found a job at an advertising agency in Naperville, then at a litigation graphics firm housed out of Boston. Finally I decided to work for myself. I made jewelry for a while, still do when I have time! Website design and project management were my bread and butter. During that time I had a son who is now 3. When he turned 17 months I ventured to the art supply store and bought him anything I thought was safe at his oral stage. It was like something inside me was just waiting to be unleashed. I placed him in a room with only a diaper on. Gave him a paintbrush, tempera paint, large paper and just watched. It was thrilling to see him dive right into the red then the blue, put it on his fingers, his tummy then the paper! I was addicted at that point.
I went to the library and took out all sorts of books on art for the young, early childhood art introduction. I took classes at the Erickson Institute and realized what I wanted to do. It took me a while to come to this point and I still have to open the studio, but it feels good to know.
Best of all my passion and love for art has come alive and it was because of my little Magical Mind. He is and will always be my inspiration.
