Art Saves • by Heather Kowalski

Bottled-Up Creativity
I clearly remember in my teen years having this feeling of searching for something — or maybe it was more that I was searching for myself?

I enjoyed singing and drama when I was in high school. I didn’t really consciously discover my interest in art until later in my life but I do know that it was always there, just under the surface. My husband studied art as a child and loved to draw. When we first met he would often draw me elaborate pictures. I always admired his artistic talent and thought of him as the only real artist in our family. He and I had our first son Braden when we were both quite young, and as a young mother I found myself taking an interest in creating a little nest for my family. There were so many days when my husband would come home from work and I would have the whole house turned upside down, or the walls would be painted a different color than the day before. I was never afraid to try projects that men usually do and was always trying to come up with some creative way or another to make a beautiful home for us with little means. Looking back now I realize that all of that bottled-up creativity and desire to create a beautiful home for us was the beginning of my love for art, and what would become a huge part of who I am today.

“Oh Yes I Can”
Now it is 16 years later. Most days my dining room table is covered in paper scraps and jewelry. My boys are so used to me now, they never seem to notice. My love of old things is probably the single most important inspiration behind the art that I love to make. I love old scraps of ribbon and beautiful old jewelry. I find myself fascinated by women in history and love to imagine what they were like, what they thought about, and if they were a lot like me. The 1920s is fascinating, the time when women were just beginning to emerge from days of suppression. I love the strength that women of that time invoke, almost like a sassiness or a “You're not holding me back” independent attitude. I truly identify with that because it reflects my personality so much. My husband or my parents will both tell you, if someone tells me “No you can’t” ... that usually I am right back with “Oh yes I can.”

The Term “Artist”
I am still learning that art isn’t just about drawing, painting, or sculpting. I have struggled with the term Artist. For a long time I didn't refer to myself as an Artist because I am not a studied artist … but I have come to realize now all of the wonderful pathways to art. I have learned to accept that I am indeed an artist in every sense of the word. I guess my husband isn’t the only artist in my family after all! I am so thankful to my husband for encouraging me and telling me when that my creations are “pretty if you are a girl,” and to my children whom I am so proud to say love art and music ... and also to my parents who are so encouraging of me to keep going forward with my creative dreams. When I create things with my hands, it gives me a feeling of accomplishment, of love, of confidence, and of pride.

Although I feel like I have so much I still want to learn and discover, I finally feel like I can stop searching for myself. I have found my muse. Art brings me a sense of peace when I am struggling, and when I am happy, it makes me happier. I don't feel complete without it. Along the journey of my life I have found that I love being a wife and a mother, I love to sing and garden, to paint (walls more than paintings) and write, to design and sew, to glue old papers together and make jewelry. It is all my art ... it is all intertwined into the threads of my life. It all brings so much happiness and richness to my life. ART SAVES me.

“If you hear a voice inside of you that says, 'You cannot paint,' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” —Vincent Van Gough

To learn more about Heather Kowalski, visit her blog at prettypetals.typepad.com/prettypetals/.

Comments

[Jeanne]

Hi Heather!
Great story....you and I are both featured here this week! And like you, I struggle with the word artist too. I always think that is a word used to describe, other more accomplished people and not me.
xo
jeanne

[Lori]

Heather, i didn't know you were going to be here...what a nice surprise...thanks for sharing your story...i didn't know that your hubby was an artist...that is so cool...i knew you were, of course:) i love the pretty things i have that were created by your talented hands!!!

[Lidy Baars]

Heather, without a doubt you are an ARTIST! Not only do you have a wonderful "eye", you create beauty out of everything you touch. The things you make, the words you write, the photographs you take, all of these are an art. xo Lidy

[Sheila R]

Heather,

Thanks for sharing your story... I too struggle with artist. But you are a true artist and love seeing all your beautiful art.

[Kitty ~ Reflections From The Stone Nest]

I never doubted it for a minute ~ you are a true artist now, and always have been. So beautifully written, and there are no other words except, "I am so proud of you"!

Love,
Mom
(Kitty ~ Reflections From The Stone Nest)

[Heather ~ Pretty Petals]

Thank you so much everyone for your sweet comments.. :) I appreciate them so much. xoxo

[Natasha Burns]

Heather you truly are an artist and always have been in my eyes. You're inspiring and creative and a wonderful person to know.
Natasha xoxo

[linda]

Lovely story, thanks for sharing. I think many of us have had that issue about the term Artist. I think we have to open our minds and realize it's very broad and ultimately a personal thing...you are an artist because you say you are and want to be... it's just a term in the end :) I think we all can live artful and creative lives :)

[ann perry]

Oh Heather, you are truly, truly an artist! Everything about you...your art, your home...everything! You inspire me so much! Thank you for sharing your story! xo

[Ellen]

Heather, I love how, you kept at it, found yourself and your artistic eye! I love your work, I have a fondness for old items and recycled styles. I have toyed with the word, Artist
as well. I think of it more in terms of having a creative eye, seeing things in a different light, that others may not. I love
how it all started painting walls in your nest! You are now soaring outside of your walls! Enjoy your journey~

[Analise]

Heather, you are such a great friend, I'm so happy to know you!!
xoxo
Analise