I was writing an introduction and bio for an article that will be published in Somerset Studios in Nov….They are featuring my mended and courage pieces… but I thought that I would share what I wrote, just as a reminder to everyone that you are not alone…. and why I do what I do…..

“I have been passionate about art for as long as I can remember, always creating, painting, or starting some new entrepreneurial creative adventure, but several years ago my life changed and I found myself in transition struggling with bouts of depression and painting very little, if at all.  I knew that I would eventually come out of the dark, I also believed that everything happens for a reason, so I hung on, and asked for help.  Fast forward to today, I was cleaning, and came across an old journal and on the very first page there one statement, “ Does a heart ever heal, will it ever mend”. Wow, I could instantly feel the pain in those words, but I realized that my heart HAD mended and my life was so beautiful and full of light!  That was the inspiration for these two pieces.  I am so grateful for those hard days, they gave me my mission; to have each piece of art that I create be an encouragement and remind each of us that we are not alone on our, crazy, beautiful, imperfect, painful, brave journey of life.

You are not alone! Big Hugs=Shawn