When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Art! • by Holly A. Stinnett

In early 2009 I posted a blog entry entitled "When Life Gives You Lemons Make Art!" I shared an uplifting journal page that I created after our new President had been sworn in; it was called “Feel a new kind of freedom.” Little did I know that this page would mean so much more to me after getting laid off from my job at a huge corporation. I indeed began to feel a new kind of freedom! I decided to accept the layoff as a blessing and a nice break from the work-world I was used to, because I would finally be afforded the opportunity to focus on teaching art classes and sell my work. What a dream come true! Those first few weeks were quite an adjustment period and very challenging as I adapted to a new way of life. I was thrilled to not be commuting in horrific Los Angeles Traffic, not be waking up to an early alarm, and not be following someone else's agenda.

A New Artist’s Life
At last I could explore and try new mediums, learn different art techniques, and experience new artful adventures. I could work on five projects at once if I wanted to! There was no "real" work schedule to worry about and no more dreaded Monday mornings.

I treasured every "free" day knowing that it could be my last since I was diligently looking for full-time work and I could be "snatched up" any day. I signed up to vend at various art events, filled up my Etsy shop with handmade items, put together some fun classes to teach, and worked on getting published. I also connected with my “artsy girls” as I lovingly refer to them by and actually got to join in on arts and crafts nights dozens of times while I’ll was living my new “artist’s life.” I kept wondering what I'd be doing if I didn't have my art and good friends to keep me grounded. I knew that I would no doubt be completely depressed.

Turning to Art
Whenever I felt discouraged or down from the economy, the everlasting job hunt and the fact that I was an "unemployed statistic," I turned to making art. Working on my many projects gave me strength and ownership and made me so happy. In addition to my art, my partner and my friends supported me unconditionally, which helped me get through the rough patches of the never-ending job search.

I had nearly a year and a half of what I ended up calling my "blessed life" before going back to consult at the SAME company who had laid me off a year and a half prior. It didn't take long to fall back into the swing of things ... the commuting, the alarm, the agenda. I am happy to report that I have now found a great balance between my day job and my love for art. It’s easy to make time for something one is so passionate about. I fondly look back on the months of when I was able to just be a full-time artist and I am so joyful that it all transpired the way that it did and that I had Art to fill my days and nights. This time also allowed me to spend cherished days with my beloved Bichon Frise, Albie, who passed away in October 2010 at 17 years old, just two months after I had gone back to work. When I was faced with one of the greatest losses and deepest sorrow in my life, I turned to journaling and making art to cope with the pain once again.

I look back and marvel at how my art grew and changed so significantly during my days of freedom. Art has saved me time and time again. It's like an old friend who knows the perfect words to say and I love knowing that I can always rely on it to lift me up when I need it to.

To learn more about Holly Stinnett, visit hollylovesart.blogspot.com.

Comments

[LuLu Kellogg]

I love your outlook on life and the way you surrounded yourself with your art and your friends during the time of your layoff and the passing of sweet Albie. I am so blessed to have you as my friend!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

[Dollybelle]

Holly you are my inspiration! I love your art and you! Thanks for sharing your light and healing vision with us! So glad to call you friend!
xoxo
Dollybelle

[Creative Carmelina]

This was beautifully written..straight from the heart! and I completely agree that our art is more than just 'pretty making'...it really does help us through those times when we just need to sit and think...or throw our focus far away from reality in order to heal!

thanks for your expressions..they were a pleasure to read..and I'm glad I took the time to peek in here!

ciao bella Holly!

Creative Carmelina

[June]

This was such a pleasure to read this from your heart. To get to read about your 'blessed life' and how you were able to make lemonade out of the loss of your job. It takes a special person to rise up to the challenges that are put in our way. I know for me, your art is a joy. Everytime I see you published in a great publication, I think to myself...great job, sweet friend!
Thank you so much for the honor today Holly. I am blessed to be featured by you.
love to you...

[Sandra L.]

Holly, I enjoyed your story so much. I too lost my job a year and a half ago. I've had a bit of trouble really getting into making art every day, but I am trying, and hope to open an Etsy shop soon.

I was wondering if you might give me some pointers on being able to keep up with your art now that you are back in the working world. I used to come home so "wasted" from my job that I just sat at night, depressed.

I'm worried about being able to do art once I'm working outside my home again. Please feel free to e-mail me privately; I would love to hear from you!

Blessings to you.