New Beginnings

Leopard, 8x10 graphite on paper. Week 9 Realism.

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Today is the first day of this blog and website.  I thought a little introduction would be nice.  My name is Kelly and I am an artist.  It has taken me many years to give myself permission to be called an artist.

In June of this year, at the age of fifty, I returned to school to finally pursue my dream of becoming a professional artist.  I enrolled in the one-year Mastery program through the Milan Art Institute.  Twenty years earlier I had graduated from the Fine Arts program at Langara College in Vancouver.  However, my intense fear of failure and not believing that I was good enough, stopped me from pursuing art as a career.  So, because I did not allow myself to be creative, I put all of my energy into being a mother and assisting others through offering healing work.
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In this blog and website I give myself permission to be creative: to write from my heart and to share my paintings, drawings and the sojourn back to myself.  Perhaps in some way I might inspire others.  
 
Along my journey I have experienced much heartache, loss, pain, and suffering; but through this, I have also discovered unconditional love for myself and others, and a passion for living life to its fullest.  I have learned that life is precious, that I am special, that we all are.  I have also learned how to listen to my heart, to hear my soul's yearnings and finally, to allow myself to live the life that I have always dreamed of.  

My knowledge comes from my life experience, as well as education in business, art, energy healing (including: reiki, thetahealing®, intuitive or psychic development courses) and holistic nutrition. I have always loved to learn and will probably be taking courses until the day I transition from this world.

I also have a strong connection to nature and feel most at home living within the trees on the Salish Sea.  Spending time in nature rejuvenates me and inspires the creativity within me.  As a Certified Forest Therapy Guide I also offer guided nature connection walks.  You can find out more here if you are interested.
 
For as long as I can remember  I visualized myself living in the trees near the ocean, and being a writer and artist. Today I am living that dream in the beautiful Gulf Islands of BC, with my supportive partner, wonderful son, and beautiful animals.

​Wishing you all much love, and "a heart inspired life."