"I think I need a studio"

That was what I was saying to God as I sat and painted at what my friends in Greece called, "my office." I would awaken early in the morning and creep outside with my coffee, my Bible, my journal, and my watercolors. Every morning, I started the day in peace and reverence as I watched the sun rise over the horizon.

"Ya think?!"

That was God's response to my pondering thought about my need for a studio. I guess I had been a little slow to get on board. At that time, I didn't have a home or office of my own. I had nowhere to plant myself on a regular basis to create. And, I needed to create!

Painting in my journal after a 6-hour long hike.

Fast forward a year and a half...I moved to Sevierville, Tennessee because I felt a connection to my friend's barn. "I just feel that I belong in your barn." Weird. And there was a problem: I couldn't find a pottery studio that would allow me to rent a pottery wheel or have access to a kiln.

I returned to Nashville because I had been invited to participate in Tennessee Craft's Spring Arts and Crafts Fair in the Emerging Makers Tent. It would be my first big market and I packed everything I had made in the past year and a half! "I have a surprise for you." I kept hearing that and I knew that thought was not mine. I think God had something for me. Sure enough, I met John, a glass blower who was also in the EMT. He said that he lived ten minutes from where I would be living in Sevierville and said that his mom, Sheryl, is a ceramicist who might be interested in sharing her studio with me! Problem solved!

Sheryl's Studio (check out Hillside Pottery!)

But after two months, with two prolific ceramicists vying for the same equipment, it became clear that I needed my own studio. And, again, I did not have my own office or home in which I could create a studio.

This was another opportunity to take a leap of faith. Life got rough as I knew something needed to happen but couldn't see how. The future looked bleak and scary. The unknown is a nemesis that promotes paralysis. Even though I couldn't see the future, I knew that God would guide and provide like He has done so many times in my life. Fortunately, God gave me two strong and powerful friends, named Karen. Yes, two Karens! They encouraged me to look at property to rent for a studio space even though I didn't feel I was ready. Then, I took the leap.

I rented a large retail space. In 6 weeks, I designed, demolished, and rebuilt a studio and gallery where I am able to work, teach, and sell! It is beautiful!