About
I am a believer in Christ, who loves taking the life lessons I have learned from scripture and history, and recording them in paint
Art Wasn't Valued in my Educational Career
I was an artist the day I could hold a pencil. As a child, I even sold enough dog portraits to pay for a horse when when my parents couldn't afford one. Years of formal schooling, however, taught me that art—and my heart—wasn't nearly as important as memorizing facts to pass a test; or as helpful as getting a degree if I wanted "success." So I ditched art, because that is what "smart" people do.
Setting My Own Goals for Learning Set Me Free
Unfortunately for me, all I got in return for my years of A's was a "practical" degree that still didn't qualify me for a job, plus 10 years of health complications as a direct result of my last stressful semester. I was left wondering: what was the goal of education really supposed to be? Could I find my own answers? Yes! The next several years became my laboratory. I was determined to reinvent education for myself.
Now I Know My Own Heart is the Best Guide
I decided to tackle the toughest book I could find (Isaiah), and the subject I hated most (history), and see what I could learn. Once I started learning with my heart, I fell in love with it. Now, I actually love academic technicalities, too, but only after my heart started asking the questions, instead of a test. I can't wait to share that curious spark with you as we learn together.
What to Expect from Me
No Preaching Here
In a world of so many competing ideas, criticism, and accusations, I am careful who I look to when I need guidance, especially religious guidance. I imagine you are careful, too. You can rest assured I'll be honest about my beliefs, but I won't guilt you into believing the same thing I do.
Interfaith Respect and Unity
I have benefitted from many deep, uplifting religious discussions with—or literature by—members of a wide variety of Christian denominations, the Jewish perspective, and Eastern religions like Islam, Hinduism, and Bahai. Though I remain a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and am devoted to my Savior Jesus Christ, I feel indebted to people of all faiths who have greatly enriched my own. I am convinced that all sincere religions contain truth, and it is my goal to not only focus on our common love of moral principles, but also learn from each others' strengths.
YouTube
YouTube is where I've uploaded the stories and messages behind my artwork. You are welcome to peruse whatever I have available. I hope to have more as my HIStory project wraps up.
Paintings
I'm a big believer in being intentional about the images I choose to put around me. Chosen carefully, images can bring not only 1,000 words, but also feelings and inspiration that can't adequately be expressed in words. The paintings I created of Isaiah's Imagery and My Place in HIStory are not just mere decoration—they are intended to serve as a visual trigger for the emotional and spiritual connection to the many truths we find in scripture and history. I hope you connect with them.
Where to find me:
Youtube
I hope my personal experiences shared on YouTube will inspire you to spark your own.
I am spotty about uploading Instagram Reels, but hope to be more consistent eventually 😂
I check Facebook periodically, and will usually get direct messages if you send me one.