I was so honored to be asked by Jenny Doh to be a Guest Curator on her Crescendoh website. My story is up on the website, but, please take a moment to spend some time online, as it is filled to the brim, not only with touching Art Saves stories, but with inspiration, products and online classes. Thanks, Jenny!
Art: Another Dimension in my Life • by Cheryl Stoneham
ART … Throughout my life, I’ve always loved dabbling in different art mediums, but have never considered myself an “artist.” During my years as a child at home, my refuge would be drawing, doodling, and sewing in the solace of my bedroom. Just a few short months after the untimely death of my brother (my only sibling) from cancer at the young age of 23, I gave birth to our first daughter. As I held this beautiful, new life in my arms, I then came to realize just how fragile life is, and that each day must be lived to the fullest, as we never know when our short time on this earth may end. That led me to scrapbooking, as I felt the need to document our heritage for my family, including my husband and then two daughters.
An Empty Nest
Fast-forward to five years ago. After the hectic, fun-filled years of raising our two adorable daughters, my youngest graduated from high school and headed off to college out of state, leaving me and my husband as “empty nesters.” Although I am employed full-time as an escrow officer in the real estate industry, my whole life over the past 22 years had been centered around our girls. I have always believed that we must raise our children to become independent, contributing members to our society, but when our last daughter headed off to college, my whole “being” left with her. I no longer felt “needed.” Yes, I adore my husband, but it just wasn’t the same. I wouldn’t say I sank into a depression, but I was definitely lost and melancholy.
When I Needed it Most
I started attending art classes and weekend art events and through that, also learned about blogging. I started a blog and through both the art classes/events and blogging, I found a community of women that “got me.” Through art, lifelong friendships have developed that will endure the test of time. Traveling across the country taking art classes from many different artists has given me inspiration, not only from the artists, but also from my fellow students. My family is still so very important to me, but art has added another dimension to my life and I cherish my “art family” that has developed because of it. Art truly “saved me” when I needed it most!
To learn more about Cheryl Stoneham, visit insidethebubble.typepad.com.
