I’ve been doing this art thang for five consecutive years now and while there have been a few surprise obstacles, I’ve had some amazing memories and moments.

Have a Pleasant Day!
-Rae

5. Self-publishing a children’s book

While it’s now out of print, Adventures in Tea Time, Introducing Patti and Kitta, from 2016 taught me how to draw again as an adult artist. It was my crash course in being a professional artist and researching all of the laws, tools, and resources available to me. I even had a book launch at a dance store in Dallas with food and activities…but no one came! I still worked as hard as if 1,000 people might show up and I learned a great deal. I gained so many opportunities from that book because people saw my potential and my drive.

4. Sewing Machine

Receiving a new sewing machine in 2018 was a wonderful moment that set my art making in a new direction. I learned to sew in 5th grade and hadn’t had a machine since my teens. A relative bought it for me during a Thanksgiving sale and it has unlocked so many ideas. Sewing has opened so many doors for me including art show prizes and residencies. I’m so glad I learned to sew young and that I have all the tools I need to enjoy it.

3. Outreaching to Kids and Community

I remember meeting twin girls at an event in Austin and they loved my book, so I gave them a copy. I remember a young girl won my artwork in a raffle and sent me a photo with her prize. I recall a little red haired boy pretending I was his ‘mommy’ at a library event and another child asking me to draw her an elephant (I tried my best). I’ve had so many sweet interactions with kids while outreaching to communities that have warmed my heart and made me feel like there’s a reason I’m doing this. Thank you!

2. Finding My Voice and Empowering Myself

Life has thrown me lots of hurdles, especially in the workplace. Having a skill and a passion that is all mine has given me so much self-esteem and I have really leaned on making art in my darkest hours. I have learned to stand up for myself by putting my feelings into art and using it as my voice.

1. Driving from Texas to Pennsylvania

In 2021, I was fortunate enough to secure an artist residency at Touchstone Center for Crafts in rural Southwestern Pennsylvania in the Laurel Highlands. The sights were so stunning and wide open and folk music played on the stereo. I even had to car camp on the side of the road because my room wasn’t ready and I’ve never seen a sky so pitch black, like deep space. That long and beautiful drive is what I want to remember as an old woman as I’m entering heaven.