Pearlie Taylor doesn’t know it, but she bestowed on me some Big Mama wisdom. Ms. Pearlie is one of many artists I met while living in Chicago, IL. She is a self-taught abstract painter who began her career as a professional artist well after the age of 50 and becoming a widow. Ms. Pearlie was widowed after 22 years of marriage. While married, she and her husband ran a thriving business. After his death, she decided to transform her life on her terms as an artist. Many people believe that at a certain point in your life, it is too late to explore new options or change directions. Ms. Pearlie proved to me that your life doesn’t need to stop because of unexpected losses, challenges, or difficulties. Instead of obstacles, these things can serve as redirection. I watched Ms. Pearlie take the sell of her paintings into her own hands by turning her apartment into a temporary gallery space. She invited people into her home to view her latest works, explore her small studio, and share refreshments. She didn’t wait for gallery approval but provided an opportunity for her supporters to build a personal relationship with her art practice. Earlier this year, I decided it was time for a redirection in my life and I needed to return to art making. One of my goals was to follow Ms. Pearlie’s example and have a private showing of new works in my home. But I faced an obstacle, I needed financial assistance to provide for art materials. The Art of Goodwill Artist Residence became my answer. Goodwill Industries of Kentucky put out a call for artists interested in making new works of art using materials sourced from Goodwill retail stores. Goodwill would cover the cost of supply purchases and the artist would receive a stipend. I was chosen as one of the Artists of Goodwill. Thanks to Ms. Pearlie’s example and Goodwill’s call, on October 28, 2018, I hosted a private showing of my first new works in about 6 years. Over the next week, I will share more about my personal transformation which is taking place partly due to my art and The Art of Goodwill.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorRamona Dallum Lindsey is an artist, speaker and curious citizen who finds strength in the wisdom of her elders. Archives
February 2019
Categories |