Had to do it.... Rejoicing Chick #2

Do you Inspire Someone????

My Rejoicing Chickies!

I realized a very long time ago, that as productive individuals it is not only important to be inspired, but to also inspire others. I have mingled in some type of craft/art form for many years. By some I have been called an artist and by others.... A glue gun queen. I am not sure what "label" I should fall under, but I do hope that through some of my work, I can help others find their hidden talents. When my children were young, I felt that my God gave me the gift to encourage, motivate and inspire others. I would hide gifts of encouragement that I had made into the lockers of children at school, send gifts through the mail to those that God had put on my heart. This went on for years, until I started feeling an emptiness in my heart. My children were leaving for college and I knew something had to fill the void. My neighborhood encouraged me to create some of my encouragement gifts to sale at our clubhouse for an Art show. They were a hit, starting what and who I am today. I dare not name all of the artist who have inspired me with their work, I know I would leave someone out. Many of you reading this blog are one's on this list. With that said..... after visiting Sam, I had to pull out a board, colorful paints and break out of my shell and let the paint fall where it may. He inspired me! This is one of many attempts at me creating a piece of Folk Art. I will have to say this by far is my favorite.

I hope in some way that it can and will inspire YOU!

Meeting Outsider Artist Sam Granger....

Several months ago, I found a wonderful Folk Artist Sam Granger. I started keeping up with his facebook, reading the interesting stories behind his pieces. I quickly became attracted not only to his work, but the stories behind them. Sam is a Georgia artist and I knew I had to go and see his work in person. For Christmas, things started falling into place quickly. Sam offered his facebook members an opportunity to win a $50.00 gift certificate. I wanted that gift certificate!!! I had as many of my friends as I could "like" Sam. In the end I won! The greatest surprise came when I opened my Christmas gift from Whit and JD...... Her gift to me was a trip she had put together with Sam to meet him on January the 5th. Well, that day was yesterday and BOY was this a great present for me! Sam is one of the most gracious people I have ever met. His heart and love for his art goes far beyond what most artist have. His joy comes from seeing others enjoy his talents. We talked for over a hour of his love for the art, his stories behind the paintings and basically as he spoke you could see that he is not in it for the money, but something much, much higher!!! You can tell he loves the Lord through his work and that the Lord has gifted him immensely. As Whit and I were getting ready to leave, Sam looked at Whit and ask her to pick out a piece for herself. If I had not seen his heart within that hour, I would have been surprised at his generosity. But, Sam is that kind of guy..... He wants to share his love of the art as much as he can! Find Sam at http://www.samgfolkart.com/aboutme.html. I think you will enjoy his story and love for the art as much as I do! Thanks Sam for a great day!

Missionary Mary Proctor ~ Visionary Artist

One of my favorite folk artist~ Missionary Mary Proctor.

A self taught visionary artist from Tallahassee, Florida
Mary uses found objects from her junkyard, now her American Folk Art Museum, Missionary Mary crafts three dimensional assembled works from buttons, mirrors, jewelry and other trinkets. Some works are inspired by Bible scripture and others by memories of her grandmother or her childhood and most include written messages of spiritual truths or life lessons.

I now happily own three of Mary's small works. This is the first piece that I purchased and it will always remain dear in my heart. Her work always inspires and makes me think about life! I will try and share the other two pieces tomorrow!

Enjoy sweet friends!