A Happy Accident: What Happens When Art Meets Its Soulmate

I’m a curious soul by default. Perhaps that is why I’ve been drawn to the career paths where I can ask a ton of questions under the guise of the role (recovering recruiter here). While at this summer’s art fairs, my natural inquisitive nature bubbled up as I met the individuals who connected with my artwork. I couldn’t help myself from asking, “What draws you to this piece?” “Why this one in particular?” “Where will this piece live in your space?” I just had to know. If I came across a bit too strong, I apologize, but I’m still mesmerized by the spark of magic in seeing my artwork embraced by someone out there in the real world. It’s wild!

Some talkative individuals would shared their connection to the works readily. I’m grateful for their willingness to shed light on an area of the ecosystem in my new art world that I’m still exploring. As a refugee from the corporate world, I do understand the powers of supply and demand, the basics of marketing, and the cold, hard elements of sales. But, I’ve got to say, the world of art seems to dance to its own beat. Thank God.

My conversations with others brought me on a tour of their lives rather than staying focused on the brushstrokes or materials I used in the pieces. These short and sweet stories from their lives were far more interesting. What a privilege to be able to learn about others’ lives through the works I create. Each piece held a personal meaning to the soul who collected it. That is beauty, my friends.

One small boy shared a story about his big hike up to Buffalo Mountain with the family. Curiously enough, he recognized the mountain he summited way before his mother did. You could hear the pride in his voice for the effort he put in to see the view from the top of Buffalo. Hell, I was impressed by his feat as Buffalo is nothing but a series of false summits and drudgery in my opinion. It is, however, the backdrop to my home here in Silverthorne, Colorado and will forever be home in my heart. He was thrilled to hang my Buffalo and Red Mountain in Snow in his bedroom to remember his personal “win.” Beautiful.

Another young couple stayed to chat about their hike in Frisco that ended in a serendipitous marriage proposal. With a print of Peak One of Tenmile Range in hand, I heard stories about one of their life’s core moments. It was so sweet to see them fondly sharing the story of their companionship. They were both looking forward to their upcoming wedding in the fall. For a moment, I was able to share in their joy. Beautiful.

An avid outdoorsman wandered into the booth drawn by First Fall Snow. For him, this piece reminded him of his favorite local area to ramble near Mount Royal. He told me about the most epic fall aspen viewing he did about ten years ago in the area. He shared that it was one of the last years his son was at home before heading off to college and he will always think of this outing as a treasured time with his son. Beautiful.

Likewise, another travel enthusiast lit up when they saw the two works from my time spent in Nepal (Nepali Giants and Annapurna Range in Snow). He had been seriously considering the long trip to do the Annapurna Circuit. Of course, I told him that it’s not to be missed! We were able to bond over a shared love of exploration. Beautiful.

A young girl’s face brightened immediately, jazzed by the bright and bold colors of the collection surrounding her. We connected on a shared love of having our lives, clothes, and spaces be neon-clad. Plus, she had great taste for a seven-year-old. Her newest project was focused on purple…obviously the best color (her opinion). She was in the middle of selecting all new purple items for her bedroom. I’m just tickled that several of my pink and purple artworks will be on her new purple-themed walls. Beautiful.

My heart was filled by these stories and many more this summer. I can safely say that there is an art world Venn diagram, but it has more soul and less corporate jargon. I create an artwork because it is a place that I love or an idea I need to share with the world. It just so happens that sometimes a burst of magic happens in someone else’s world when they see the piece. For this, I’m grateful. A happy accident in this often noisy and impersonal world. I hope to be able to continue warming my soul with bursts of said magic where my creations fill someone with their own joyful moment.