Almost 21 years ago, I signed up for an art class at the Smithsonian. I was super nervous because I had been told I’d never be good at art by my 7th grade art teacher. The artist who taught the class at the Smithsonian was wonderful — encouraging, supportive, and genuinely loved teaching and her students. I had the time of my life! I discovered charcoals and pastels, and jumped into learning to paint with oils. A few months later, I was diagnosed with agressive metastatic thyroid cancer. While thyroid cancer is highly curable, mine was so agressive my doctors told me I’d be lucky to live 2 years. I never finished the art class. And I never touched my paints again. Until today. That art teacher and cancer both took the wind out of my sails. I stopped before I started. I let fear and doubt stifle my creative voice. Well not anymore! I’m back, baby. #cancerthriver #artheals #arthealstheheart #liveoutloud #fiberartist #charlestonartist #mylowcountrylife #ineedart #grateful #arteveryday #glorytogod #throwbackthursday #inspired #oilpainting #maxgrumbacher #yarka
