Artist’s Website: www.createtheway.site
Artist’s Biography
I’ve been living the horse-centered lifestyle since I was six. My first horse, Whiskers, came with the house my parents purchased. I couldn’t saddle him and rode bareback in the mountains with my friends. As a teenager, I spent 3 summers working for an Arabian ranch and was paid with a little colt, Destiny’s Starr, whom I trained to ride, shake hands, bow, and give hugs. Both amazing horses have since moved into the lush pasture in the sky, but their images adorn my walls and remain in my heart.
As an adult, I worked for 8 years at a cutting horse facility. I started in the ranch class on my little mare Holly, affectionately known as “Bugs”. I worked 3 jobs to get her trained and I practiced on her at the same time. Most horses would have quit under that kind of pressure, but she has a big heart and a lot of “cow” and we went on to put some very good runs together. When she experienced chronic lameness issues, we retired. She still keeps her eyes on the far-away cow herds, though.
Horses and animals are the subject of most of my art. I typically use acrylics and mixed media (I’m the person that saves little scraps of everything.) However, as an artist my focus isn’t so much on my creativity, but to guide others to explore their creativity. I facilitate mother and child artist collaborations, day-long journal making events for women, and art camps for children. At the beginning of every workshop people will say, “I can’t draw, except stick figures.” or “I’m not creative.” They leave saying: “I am going to buy my first canvas!’ or “This is something I can do at home!” This work is the sacred work that is most important to me, and I consider it my calling.
In addition, I’ve been a licensed teacher for 12 years with a Master’s Degree in Integrated Fine Arts & Education from the University of Montana, and a background in Social Work. I am a certified Laughter Yoga Leader. I’ve completed 40 immersion-hours in Himalayan Singing Bowls of Nepal and hold monthly sound baths in the valley. I have certificates from Mindful Schools and am trained to teach their curriculum.
I have been married to Mike for 8 years and we are kept busy with our garden, horses, dogs, cats, ducks, sheep and our beloved turkeys, Jolene and Schmitty
Artist’s Statement Regarding the Horse of a Different Color
I chose a mandala-style design because it is a visual symbolism found throughout history in many different cultures. It can represent a form of meditation, be a symbol of the universe, or a reminder of the cycles of life. As in meditation, riding involves both the seat and the breath. One must be ever mindful and present when collaborating with a horse. Creating a mandala on a horse seems like a sublime way to explore mindfulness, creativity, and our partnership with the equine spirit.
Artist’s Concepts Regarding the Horse of a Different Color
Artist’s Dunrovin Equine artistic Partner: Chief
