My ART SAVES Story • by Danielle Muller

Surrounded by “Art”
Growing up in a family of creative souls, I was constantly surrounded by “art.” My great-grandmother was a seamstress, my grandmother crocheted, my grandfather was a stained glass artisan, and my mother and aunt were painters. I have fond memories of my creative childhood: collecting flower seeds and preserving them in glassine envelopes; carefully studying my series of Audubon nature books; forming a “nature club” with my best pal and creating projects/assignments for us to complete. You see ... nature, which I viewed as the ultimate “artwork” of the Master Creator, was the common thread running through my early creative adventures. Although I was a “creative” person, I never dared to consider myself an “artist.” I couldn’t paint. I couldn’t draw. In my mind that’s what an artist was. I longed for that validation, but it alluded me. So, during my childhood, in order to escape some of life’s unpleasant circumstances I would retreat into my world of creativity and dreams ... and with God’s hand on my life, “art” saved me!

Lost & Trapped
Fast-forward … by the age of 20 I was a wife and mother of my first child. Life was not turning out how I had planned it would. I loved my son, but felt overwhelmed and trapped with the duties of “real life” at such a young age. I felt disconnected from who I really was and struggled with feelings of emptiness. Longing for something to fill this emptiness, I began taking classes at my local community college. My heart wanted to take art classes, such as pottery or metal-smithing, but my head told me otherwise. I began taking the pre-requisite courses for the Registered Nurse program. All during this time my creativity felt like it was being suffocated. I felt as though all hope was gone. Over the next 15 years I battled and struggled with various feelings and situations in my life; I put on a happy face and led the parade. But inside I was dying. I was deteriorating. I was slipping into a place that I would never wish on my worst enemy. It was during this time that a friend introduced me to the world of “mixed-media art.” I had never seen anything like it! Finally! A “category” that I could fit into. People who “got” me. A place to spread my wings and feel accepted as an … should I dare say it? As an ARTIST!

Saved by Grace
It is only by God’s grace that I am able to share this story with you now. By letting go of things that held me captive, by surrendering my heart and all of my hopes and dreams to my Savior, Jesus, by allowing Him to open the eyes of my heart — He has saved me! And He has blessed me with a wonderful creative, art-filled life. My husband, he is my best friend, and my three children, they are my treasures. The realization that I truly am an “artist” has filled my life with such joy and contentment. Pursuing my creative endeavors — photography, gardening, artwork, sewing, cooking, etc. — has filled my heart to overflowing! Thank you Lord ... YOU {and “art”} saved me!

A Favorite Verse
“For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.” Deuteronomy 16:15

To learn more about Danielle Muller, visit thevintagedragonfly.com.

Comments

[Heather]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing!

[Pinkie Denise]

Hi Danielle
I love your story and can closely relate. Without the true creator
who gifted and blesses me to be an artist my life would be very empty and meaningless.
Jesus, my friend and savior, he is everything!
Thanks for sharing your story!

[Ellen]

Danielle,
I am happy you found the strength to follow your heart. Life tugs n' pulls, at our heart strings. It takes courage to listen,to the essential essences of our souls~

[Lana Manis]

Danielle ~ thank you so much for sharing your story. It is truly inspiring!

[Jennifer Paganelli]

Danielle, You know how crazy I am about you and your mom and I love your work and what you have shared here..You light up my world..

[Sngbrd1997]

girls...thank you so much for leaving such sweet and wonderful comments here...i just now only found them...

you are all so special...much love to you!

blessings,
danielle

[Cassie Gaines]

Your story inspires me and warms my heart. My life is a mess, but reading your story gives me hope. Sometimes when I'm feeling low, I come to your website to spend a few minutes looking around. It always lifts my spirits! To find out that you have a love for Jesus, only makes it better. Thank you for the inpiration you've given to others. I hope and pray that some day my life will be as beautiful as yours.

Blessings