The Artist Life: YOUR ART MATTERS - A LOVE LETTER TO THE CREATIVE SOUL

Dear beautiful, expressive, creative soul,

Let's chat for a moment, I have something I want you to know: your art matters.

Not just the finished piece you post online. Not just the pages that feel polished or purposeful. But every stroke, every smudge, every ink-stained page, every toe lifted to dance, every scrap of needle and thread, every dust of flour needed in the baking pan … every quiet moment you spend with your supplies of choice, and your heart wide open… and it all matters.

In a world that often rewards productivity over presence, it’s easy to question whether making art “just for you” is enough.

Here’s the truth: Your creative expression is needed, because it is sacred.

Each time you create, it becomes a map of you, and of your becoming. Each time you create, it’s a conversation with your Creator God and with your own soul. And every time, it’s a bridge between your inner and outer worlds.

Every time you show up at the page or desk or studio or kitchen —even when you're uncertain, even when the colors or tastes or words don’t quite work, even when the inner critic whispers that what you are creating is not “real” art—you are doing something profoundly brave.

You are saying: I am here. I am listening. I am willing to be seen—not only for myself but also for others.

And that is powerful.

The Practice of Presence

As a mixed media artist and oil painter, I have some trade secrets that keep me inspired and are simply just for me. Yes, you may see some of my own art journaling and mixed media work on social media, on my website, and/or in this blog … but that’s only part of the story. I choose not to share them all.

Not because my intuitive marks and artmaking is ugly - although some of it is and I celebrate that because I’m learning, always learning! No, it’s because I choose to keep some close to my heart and studio because they are sacred, they are deeply personal, and they are evidence of my practice of presence. Not only my presence in the studio - where I’m intentional about getting out the paints and papers and canvases and gel plates and whatever else - but the Holy Spirit of God’s presence with me as I create.

When you show up with honesty and curiosity in your creating space, you're not just creating art—you're creating space for His truth to form your truth - and to creatively breathe. In my online community SOUL Collective, we see this magic unfold all the time as we use paper and marks and collage and paint to express our journeys. The practice of presence may show up as ...

🦋 a scribble that becomes a revelation,

🦋 intuitive marks that aren’t ‘anything’ in the beginning but become a way the Lord speaks in an unexpected way,

🦋 perhaps a collage spread that uncovers an old memory,

🦋 a page that looks like chaos but feels like clarity,

🦋 and quite often it’s the hot mess of a creation that brings healing and hope!

This is the kind of art that doesn’t ask for approval. It asks only for your attention—and your trust. Not trust in the end result or even your ability, but trust in the process. The end result doesn’t even really matter (I know, I know, that’s hard for some of us perfectionists and business people who want it all to be great!). It is the practice of showing up - something that you cultivate with intention and time. It doesn’t just happen on its own.

You Don’t Need to Be “Good” to Be Worthy as an Artist

Let’s be clear: you don’t need to make “beautiful” things for your art to be valuable.

You don’t always need to know where it’s going. You don’t always need a plan - in fact, this sometimes hinders more than it helps. You just need to show up.

Every imperfect, tender, honest mark, and every mistake in your creative practice you make? It's a thread connecting you to His inner wisdom inside you as a Christian artist and creative being.

So if today your ‘art’ feels messy, uncertain, or hidden in the margins of your life — please know, it still matters.

An Invitation

Let this be an invitation from me to you, my clever, imaginative heart: keep creating.

Pick up the brush, gather the glue sticks, open the journal, put on the dancing shoes, find that baker’s mitt.

Let the process, the play, the expression be the point. You don’t need permission. But in case it helps, here it is:

🩵 You are a valuable artist in the Kingdom.

🩵 Your voice is needed in the Kingdom.

🩵 And your art is worthy - so keep on creating.

With love in my heart for you (and happily messy hands!),

~ Debra

PS: Some studio days are rough … and I wonder, “does it all really matter?”

ANYONE?!

In these moments, I’ll grab the gift my daddy gave me before he passed away in 2024 — a 1920 Gibson mandolin — and start plunking away.

It seems to help because I’m not very good yet. That in itself is a tangible reminder as I hold the slick wood in my hands, feel the strings pressing on my fingers, and hear the warm tones emerge within the chords … that creativity is a holy practice. And I’ve learned that ‘practice’ is not a dirty word.

I love the feeling of holding something sacred like a 100+ year old instrument built for artistry, and then creating something, learning something new. As a redeemed perfectionist, I now enjoy the journey, failures and all. Failing along the strings on Daddy’s mando tends to be a catalyst for the creative flow to return — BECAUSE my fumbling around is so imperfect, and in the end, I must let it all go.

And please remember - your creativity matters. No matter how it comes — or doesn’t, as on a rough studio day. It matters. Always. And you will be rewarded. Promise. 🩵

Debra Hart is an Atlanta, Georgia fine artist, writer, and creativity guide. She delights in encouraging creatives in their journey of discovery, skill development, and overcoming. A redeemed perfectionist, she approaches her life and art from a place of mystery, grace, and love of her Savior, Jesus Christ - the best Adventurer of all.

The Artist Life: STUDIO ON THE MOVE? BEST TIPS FOR EASING A RELOCATION

Let’s Face It: Moving is Hard!

Postcard announcing a 2020 move :)

And as an artist, moving is more than just relocating your home; it’s about ensuring your creative soul can settle into a new space as soon as possible for sanity’s sake. It can be easy to think of your studio in an “after-thought" kind of way because there are SO many details requiring your attention during a relocation.

Considering that your studio is where all the creative magic happens, and that I’ve just completed my fourth move in the past 10 years, I can testify that ‘having a think’ - as my UK friends say - can make a world of difference! With a bit of planning and a dash of creativity, the entire mess will be smoother and less overwhelming, ha. Even though I was surrounded by boxes [INSERT BOXES PHOTO] as I originally wrote this, I thought I’d capture a few thoughts and share some of my personal strategies and tips for anyone about to embark on a similar transition. Or maybe this is just for your reading pleasure, if you are enjoying these posts! 😁

Studio Move Strategy 1: Develop a "Pack, Purge & Move" Plan

I sometimes start with a new “blank” monthly planner designated JUST for the move - helps me to visualize the plan!

For artists, our schedules are already busy, so having a clear, rough outline of tasks can make the whole process less chaotic. Here are some helpful steps to consider as you approach the "big day."

1 - Packing/Purging Plan: Set aside designated blocks of time for packing and purging. Giving yourself weekly goals for packing a little at a time - and the sooner the better - helps keep things manageable.

Me? I already use a planner and have adopted a “block scheduling” method for my studio and admin tasks so I can see what’s ahead each week. So for a move, I remove some things and block out “Packing” or “Moving Task” times on my schedule. I also create “Move To Do” lists that I’ll update weekly on Sunday nights, crossing off what’s done and adding things. I also slap those Post-It-Notes in the planner as thoughts come up!

Wellllll…because who can resist such a moving “helper”?!

2 - Moving/Task Due Dates: It’s also super helpful to pencil-in your potential dates to do certain things, such as: rent a moving truck by ____; secure utilities by _____; make arrangements for pets by ____; tell my kids to clear their calendar on _____ for moving day … 😂

3 - Collect Packing Boxes Early: Start collecting boxes early—friends, family, neighbors, and even your workplace or local stores are often great resources. Boxes can be broken down flat until needed.

4 - Gather Other Packing Supplies: You’ll also want plenty of packing tape, markers, and labels. TIP: Have at least two extra “tape guns” so that others can help. It’s better to have too many supplies than to run out mid-packing - and end up spending a lot more on last-minute orders or runs to the local Walmart … ask me how I know this! 😂

5 - Moving Truck and Helpers: If you’re renting a truck, book it early, and reach out to any helpers who’ll be lending a hand. Important: letting other household/family members know in advance what they can do to pack up their own spaces, clean, etc. goes a long way towards managing expectations (yours and theirs!) and accomplishing a successful, more stress-free move.

6 - Storage Unit: Secure any new storage facility, and let the current one know your move-out date. If you’re currently renting one, here’s a TIP: Most storage units have a requirement that you have to notify them by a certain date, or get charged for another month. So be sure to check your current rental contract/agreement so you can save the headache of an additional charge.

Consider creating a Google Drive folder for digital copies of “all the things” - plans, checklists, receipts from moving truck rentals or storage units, etc

7 - Notify Utility Companies and Others: Be sure to figure out what needs to be done to transfer your utility companies ahead of time so you don’t get caught paying extra fees. And remember to change your address with the postal service and any companies sending auto-ship orders.

8 - Create a Notebook and/or Google Drive folder for “all the things”:

• If you prefer paper, use a notebook with pockets to store paper receipts, Room Diagrams (see next item), rental agreements, lists, addresses, random Post-It notes, etc.
• If you prefer digital storage/organization, create a Google Drive folder (or other workflow app such as Asana) to store digital receipts, plans, organizing tasks/checklists, addresses, etc. This is especially helpful because you’ll always have them accessible through your phone on moving day.

9 - Create Room Diagrams with measurements of your new space and/or storage unit. You’d be surprised, especially if you’re downsizing, of how important this will be. I use graph paper and create a diagram for each room

10 - Create Furniture Lists or Diagrams, with measurements, that can be used with the graph paper “Room Diagrams.” If you use graph paper, you can measure the actual furniture, cut them out, and move them around on your Room Diagram to see what will fit. And yes, I actually do this - in fact, for the past three moves! See the next section (The Fun Part: Designing Your New Studio Space), below, for more

SUPER-SECRET TIP #1: This is a time to give yourself grace. Make your checklists, diagrams, and plans - but don’t worry about every detail being perfect. Hold it all loose. The goal is to keep things in manageable order so you can focus on what matters most—getting back to your creative process in your new space!

Studio Move Strategy 2: What Stays and What Goes (Decisions, Decisions!)

Once you do a little pre-planning, moving is a LOT about choices: what to bring with you, what to store, and what to leave behind. In addition to what we tend to accumulate around the house, some of us are unashamed art supply collectors, lol. My lovely artists - we all do it. So take some time to look at art supplies, tools, organizers, tables, and other materials that, well, you might not actually need or use anymore. This is the time to take inventory and be, well, brutally honest about what you’re actually using. Purging can be freeing, even if it’s a little hard to let go.

Laugh if you like, but those big red dots on boxes work like a charm come moving day!

1 - Pack and Purge Early: If you are able, sort through your stuff well in advance - it keeps stress down. A few months before your moving day, start going through your items and decide what should make the journey with you. Start throwing things away (or set aside to sell or give away). In your studio, you can pack paintings, canvases, and other supplies you won't be using. Start emptying shelves and cabinets.

2 - Labeling as You Go: If you’re using a storage unit or other area for non-essentials, make it easy on yourself and create a labeling system for the boxes. I usually take old printer paper that's designated to 'recycle' and cut to size using a paper cutter, a large chisel tip black Sharpie, and tape them on at least 3 sides and the top of each box.

SUPER-SECRET TIP #2: I personally love using big red dots on boxes or items going directly to my new home and studio. Anything NOT going to the house or studio doesn’t get a red dot, lol. Laugh with me if you will, but being able to see at a glance which box/item goes where saves oodles of time and confusion come moving day. You can grab large 2” circle dots (I like red ones for visibility) from Amazon—they’re super inexpensive and useful!

Studio Move Strategy 3: Designing Your New Studio Space (The Fun Part!)

This is the fun part! Long before moving day, it’s so helpful to map out your new studio space with furniture and storage needs. Planning a general layout allows you to see how everything might fit before hauling furniture and boxes into it. Here are some of my favorite tips:

1 - Measure Your New Space: Get those new room measurements down, ahead of time, including the locations of doors and windows and which way they swing. The smaller the space, the more important this is. I use old-fashioned graph paper leftover from my home educating days to sketch each room, outlining the walls and spaces roughly to scale in pencil. Once I have it pretty much down, I’ll mark the walls, doors, and windows in darker ink so I can see it easily.

My moving notebook and to-scale furniture cut-outs - paper dolls for grown-ups, lol!

2 - Make To-Scale Furniture Cut-Outs: For me, this was where the fun began—it’s like adult paper dolls, except with furniture 😁 Once you have a layout, create and cut out small shapes of your current furniture, including tables and lamps, to arrange on your graph paper “room.” Use a dab from cheap glue sticks to keep the furniture shapes in place once you’ve figured out what you want. This way, you can decide in advance what goes where and also see if some pieces may need to go to storage, the basement, or even find a new home altogether.

3 - Define Studio Nooks: Think about areas for painting, storing supplies, and other creative “nooks.”

For example: I have a 6’ art journaling table that doubles as a filming area for my online courses, so I need art journaling supplies and lighting nearby. On a different wall, I have my 8’ easel that leans against a wall for large paintings, so floor and wall coverings are needed. For running Zoom calls, a table to stand at, and a nice backdrop without windows is needed. Setting up creative “zones” ahead of time makes unpacking less stressful and helps your new space feel like home much, much sooner.

4 - Light Sources: Lighting is important - and easily overlooked in the bluster of a move! Consider natural light you’ll need, lamps or wall/ceiling light positions, and wall paint colors. Wall colors and lighting are not only important for painting/drawing, but also for shooting photos of your finished work.

SUPER-SECRET TIP #3: Be sure to plan on/budget for adding some new personal touches to your space - I personally love having some newer/repurposed “pretties” around in my studio to inspire creativity. Storage containers are a practical and useful way to do this! Things like colored-glass jars to hold brushes, chicken-wire baskets painted white to store supplies, and small white baskets for torn-paper bits and collage materials go a long way toward making my studio space not only organized, but beautiful and inviting.

Studio Move Strategy 4: Self-Care is Non-Negotiable! (Maybe this should be #1)

Let’s be real:  packing and moving is no small feat, and it takes energy, strength and stamina—especially if you’re moving an entire creative studio or a single person moving everything yourself, so to speak. The last thing you need is to get sick, twist your ankle, or pull a muscle because your body isn’t used to certain  movements! In the weeks (or months if possible) leading up to your move, consider::

Consider adopting better food choices about a month before moving for increased energy and health - your body will thank you!

1 - Establishing/Tweaking Your Routine: Look at your physical and mental well-being. Is there anything you can do to increase your strength, flexibility, and stamina? Go ahead and start exercising - a 30/45 minute walk every day works wonders. Go after this - those boxes ain’t gonna pack or lift themselves, lol!

2 - Consider New/Temporary Eating Habits for Increased Energy:  Adopt a healthy eating plan if you’re not already on one. About a month before the move, cut out white sugar, white flour, and maybe reduce carbs for sustained energy where your body is burning fat instead (think Keto/Paleo). If you’re not already doing so, review whether you need to “up” your supplements and vitamins - consider such variables as seasonal allergies, weather changes, stress prevention, etc. Of course, drinking plenty of water makes a real difference, as does reducing your caffeine intake. Start getting extra sleep, and try going to bed a bit earlier than usual.

3 - Rest Days: Please hear me on this one - be sure you’re taking a weekly Sabbath rest—a day of no packing, no planning, no work - just worshiping and relaxing! Especially during the week of your move, which will feel counterintuitive to do… but trust me, it will change everything! Spend time with friends or family, enjoy lunch or dinner out, go to the theater, take naps, whatever you love to do to recharge.

4 - Mental Health:  Ask for Help!  This one’s big, especially for us independent ones and solopreneurs who are used to managing it all. Moving is a huge endeavor, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it! At the very least, ask for prayer, ask for advice, ask for boxes, ask for recommendations - ask, ask, ask. Believe it or not, you SO don’t have to be alone in this.

SUPER-SECRET TIP #4: Plan ahead to eat well on Moving Day(s) - you will thank me later! Be sure to have plenty of water - imperative for hot months/climates like where I live in Atlanta. I buy at least 3 cases of water ahead of time to save money and time. Why so many? Well - 1 for myself, 1-2 for those who help me, and 1 to leave at the new location / storage unit, if there are going to be multiple trips. And instead of ordering pizzaa (unless having all those carbs are what you really want/need), I like to prepare ahead healthy wraps, cut veggies and fruit, and cheeses in a small cooler. If you need to, you can get these at your local deli. Then protein bars, nuts, and popcorn are kept in a large baggie for nibbles while driving the moving truck or loaded up vehicles. I’ll make extra ziplock bags for my helpers.

Studio Move Wrap-up: Here’s to New Beginnings!

The adventure awaits in your new space!

Moving can be a very unsettling and stressful season, no doubt.  And as an artist moving your studio and/or a single person, there are unique challenges. However, there’s great promise in a new space. There are new beginnings! A  fresh studio space, new creative energy, new surroundings, and fresh inspiration.

Over the past decade, I’ve found that planning ahead, organizing, and self-care are the most important strategies for making a relocation a smoother and less stressful experience. I promise! And just think - every packed box brings you closer to a new season of creativity and a new season filled with new things.  Enjoy - at least as much as you can 🙂

Let me know in the comments if there was something helpful for you here. I love hearing from you!

————————————

About the Artist:
Debra Hart is a visual fine artist whose semi-abstract, mixed media work celebrates the beauty of nature and faith. With a focus on texture and emotive colors, she captures the delicate beauty of creation in each piece. Debra finds inspiration in the world around her, painting as a reflection of faith and hope.

The Artist Life: AN INSIDE PEEK: SOUL COLLECTIVE

Hey ya’ll! It’s that time again - SOUL Collective is open for registration for about 10 days (ending on September 10, 2024 for the current cohort). I thought it would be fun, in the meantime, to share a little inside ‘peek.’

In case you’re unfamiliar with SOUL Collective, its my online community devoted to the creative heart. And as the leader/creative guide for SOUL Collective, preparing for each new session is a great time - as I get to develop a new session that’s always a unique and fun blending of art, faith, and community.

Each cohort is somewhat different because I go where the Lord leads, taking in consideration each individual and their particular journey. At the same time, the mission is unwavering and rooted in a desire to inspire and nurture an international community of creatives - through a beautiful convergence of faith and mixed media art journaling. It’s a journey that I’m super privileged to be on, and today, I’d like to take you behind the scenes to give you an insider’s view of what goes into guiding the SOUL Collective.

Preparing for a Session 

I get quiet, quiet, quiet.  I gotta hear from Jesus! For each five month session (cohort), we meet about every two weeks. So for a few days leading up to a Zoom call, I’m getting quiet each morning so I can hear what the Lord wants to say spiritually, creatively, and prophetically before we meet. A big piece of what we do in SOUL Collective is rooted in the Word and what we’re hearing the Lord say to us through intuitive activations and prophetic words. As the creative guide, I believe that involves me ‘going first’ so to speak - and because of that, getting quiet and listening is the most important step.

So before all the emails, planning, studio and other work begins happening in my day, I spend some time with the Lord in worship, reading, and writing. This time of stillness helps me focus on the purpose of SOUL Collective—to create a space where art, creativity, and faith intersect in meaningful ways.

SOUL Prompts and Prophetic Words to Challenge and Inspire (aka Cuppa, Cuppa please!)

With a cuppa (coffee, ya’ll, coffee! ☕) in hand, I usually sit down to write the prophetic word first. That starts with a time of soaking worship and the Word. I’m listening, sometimes researching, and then writing. Not a complicated process, but often intense and time-intensive.

I want to get this ‘right’ to the best of my ability, because the prophetic/intuitive activations and SOUL Prompts (journaling prompts) flow from this step. And, of course, my heart is to honor the Lord and the women of this tribe.

Planning the Content

Each cohort of SOUL Collective is unique, and so it's with great care that I set aside time to design what our Zoom call is going to be focused on, what art demos I provide, what videos I film, and anything else that will resonate with our members. My goal is to create experiences that not only teach mixed media and art journaling techniques but also encourage spiritual depth and growth.

Planning these lessons involves a mix of prayer, holy creativity, and grace! I start by exploring different themes as led by Holy Spirit, as well as any creative ‘thing’ or techniques that align with the prophetic focus. Above all else, this is to be as fun, uncomplicated, and inspirational as possible!  

Filming and Demos

I don’t film every week, but when I do film, it’s in a series that teaches something fun. The first cohort had about 8 videos teaching how to get started in art journaling and a super-easy collage method. Then in the second cohort, I created more videos to help those who were feeling a little stuck on art journaling. What started out as a “short” set of videos on "Removing Barriers in Art Journaling" ended up being a series of 14 videos, lol! I loved making them and turns out the artists loved them. 

Sometimes at the Zoom gatherings, I do art demos - little 15 minute “shorts” where I’ll talk about and show mixed media supplies, tools, and super easy techniques. Not all in SOUL Collective are mixed media artists - in fact most are not. They’ve come from a diverse background of oil painters, watercolorists, acrylic painters, oil painters, stampers and card-makers, resin artists, writers, illustrators, and more. So they have found these to be great resources for learning.

Community Connection

A few times a week, I check in within the private Facebook group. This is another highlight because of the great interactions I get to witness as the Collective community supports, prays for, and loves on one another. They really are the best!

While most members are in the U.S., the Collective’s audience does span a few continents, bringing together Christian artists from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life. As you can imagine, there’s always a rich and often lively conversation happening :)

I read through posts, respond to questions, and offer encouragement. Whether someone is sharing a new art journal page, asking for prayer or feedback, or seeking advice on a mixed media technique, these interactions are one of the several heartbeats of our community.

One person recently commented on a Zoom call that she felt “seen, heard, and known” within SOUL Collective in ways she had not in a very long time. That’s a great testimony to the beautiful souls inhabiting our group!

Live Sessions on Zoom

The Zoom calls are a highlight of my month. Every single time. There’s an incredible energy that comes from seeing the SOUL Collective community in action—artists and believers from around the world, each bringing their own unique perspective to the table.

During these live sessions, I guide the group to discuss how things went during the previous few weeks with the SOUL Prompts, prophetic word, or intuitive activation.

This is all about connection. We share vulnerably, discussing the creative (SOUL) prompts, and explore how our faith journey impacts - and is impacted by - our art practices. These conversations are deeply enriching, and I always come away from them feeling inspired by these amazing, courageous and devoted-to-Jesus humans.

After the live session, I spend some time reflecting on the feedback and ideas shared by the group. Sometimes I’ll make notes for future sessions, and consider how to further support and inspire members in their creative and spiritual growth. This ongoing dialogue with and about Jesus - and with the community - is what makes SOUL Collective so dynamic. We’re constantly learning and evolving together.

Personal Art Journaling and Response Practice

I find that it helps to start right away to work on the current SOUL Prompt as part of my own personal practice. I’ve discovered it’s best to schedule it ahead on my planner - rather than try “carving out” time later. If I wait for ‘when I have the time,’ all too often it simply won’t happen! Since I work best in time blocks, I have found it’s best to set up one or two blocks for the time in-between Zoom calls - usually within a few days after the latest call.  

Working on SOUL Prompts feels essential not just for my growth as an artist, but also for my role as a guide, and something I really enjoy. By continuing to explore new techniques and ideas in my own work, I can bring fresh insights and inspiration to SOUL Collective.

My mixed media practice varies, and art journaling is no exception. When heading into my art journal specifically set-up for SOUL Collective, it’s usually a blend of experimentation and reflection. I might work on an existing spread or start new art journal pages altogether. I love playing with textures, materials, and colors that reflect what we’ve been exploring in the community. This is also an opportunity to integrate what the Lord is showing me through my own creativity and the SOUL Prompts, prophetic words and/or intuitive activations used in the Collective. I often find that my best ideas for the group, my online classes, and other areas of my art business actually are birthed during these deep, contemplative, and discovery moments. Win, win, win!

Dreaming and Stewarding Ideas

Speaking of ideas … my brain often buzzes with juicy ideas, am I the only one ya’ll? 😍

And while it might happen when in planning mode, it sometimes comes in the middle of the night, or after running a Zoom call, or reading SOUL Collective comments and emails. I never know! Over the years, I’ve found it super helpful to capture and steward creative ideas, so keeping an “idea journal” handy is my m.o. for doing that. This way whenever inspiration hits, I can jot those stellar thoughts down, sketch out ideas, and maybe even pause to do a little dreaming and journaling about projects or the future.

Thinking about upcoming cohorts, potential collaborations, and new ways to enrich our community is fun, because SOUL Collective is steadily growing. Partnering with Holy Spirit to dream up new ways to deepen the impact within the creative community is a privilege, for those I currently serve and for those who will come.

Joy of Guiding SOUL Collective

Serving beloved Kingdom people as a creative guide for a season inside SOUL Collective is a role that I cherish deeply. What absolute joy has come from stepping out in obedience to what the Lord has said to do. It has been bold act of faith in my journey. And one of courage, too, because for a long time, I’d kept this hidden in my heart, unsure and staying small. When it was time to release it in 2023, I knew it was time - although I won’t say I still wasn’t fearful, ha! I just went ahead and did it scared. And now I get to see the old fear turned upside right to joy, witnessing all the Lord is doing. It’s such a “get to” in my life!

The creative guide concept is kind of a blend of Holy Spirit inspiration, creative and spiritual coaching, tutoring, prophetic insight, and hands-on creating. Guiding my peeps in SOUL Collective allows me to share my passions for Jesus, mixed media, and art journaling with an absolutely delightful community of faith-driven artists, writers, and other beautiful humans the Lord sends! 

Every cohort brings new challenges and delights, and I am constantly inspired by their creativity, honesty, vulnerability, grit, love, and bravery. They are trying new things. They are believing new things. They are hearing from Jesus in fresh ways. It’s amazing what flows in our sessions. I am so grateful for - and I especially love - being connected to this vibrant, global network of creatives who are journeying alongside one another.

You’re Wholeheartedly Invited!

Encountering the Collective is much more than just another online activity—it’s a journey of creativity and faith that we take together and we’re a family. If you’re considering joining our next cohort, I hope this little glimpse into SOUL Collective has given you a sense of the spirit, heart, and soul behind it. And I wholeheartedly invite you to be part of this incredible experience. Let’s create, reflect, and grow together in the next chapter of SOUL Collective!

Until next time, love you lots,

xoxo,
Debra

---

Debra Hart is an artist and entrepreneur who runs Debra Hart Studio. Her work is inspired by her relationship with Jesus and personal experiences, creating contemporary abstract and semi-abstract pieces resonating with emotion and beauty, using oil painting, mixed media and art journaling. She also is a creativity guide through the various international communities she serves, including Creative Cafe with Debra Hart Studio and SOUL Collective with Debra Hart Studio.  You can learn more about her and view her art at Debra Hart Studio.

---

About the Artist:
Debra Hart is a visual fine artist whose semi-abstract, mixed media work celebrates the beauty of nature and faith. With a focus on texture and emotive colors, she captures the delicate beauty of creation in each piece. Debra finds inspiration in the world around her, painting as a reflection of faith and hope.

The Artist Life: NAVIGATING GRIEF AS AN ARTIST ENTREPRENEUR →

This might seem to be an odd post from an artist for some.

Let's be honest ... who really wants to talk about, let alone deal with grief, loss, death? As an eternal optimist by nature, I certainly haven't wanted to go down this road. Regardless, as I deal with the trauma and work through some areas of healing the past several years, it has led me down the grief path. Trauma, loss, and healing are inexplicably intertwined.

One day we’ll do this again … on the shores of bigger waters than the Great Lakes 🤍

And it affects every area of life, including career. As a professional artist - and by default, entrepreneur - we take a road less traveled right out of the gate. Without a doubt, we have to carry the weight of whatever comes our way and find ways to do it while still running a business. Grief is a heavy, complicated emotion that can sometimes feel downright impossible to navigate.

So, as an artist and entrepreneur, dealing with the recent (April 21, 2024) death of my father has been one of the most challenging periods of my life.

I am in community with, and inspired by, so many creative people from around the globe on the daily. I hear how challenging it can be when life's curveballs are thrown their way. Today I felt a prompt to share what it's looking like for me, in hopes that they - or you - won't feel quite so alone when the hard things come.

The earliest known photo of Dad, age 3, Pickford, Michigan, USA

So, here I am (aren't you lucky, lol), sharing the process of navigating grief while continuing to create and run my art business, Debra Hart Studio. Perhaps these jumbled thoughts will turn into something helpful for you or someone you know walking through a major loss. Even if you're not, I happen to believe it is relevant - and very often a wonderful gift - to share our stories in the spirit of shared experiences amd encouragement, so here is mine.

Initial Shock

Just because this life-marking event had been a long time coming, it didn’t really make it much easier than the sudden loss of my only sibling, Larry, in 2020. Yes, Daddy was 85, and yes, he’d had a number of health issues that slowly drained his quality of life over the past decade. From about 2018, each visit to my hometown in Michigan ended in "final good-byes" because we never knew if or when it would be our last.

As hard as it’s been each time, I’m grateful for the dozen or so goodbyes. We had the privilege of saying things to one another that were in our hearts and to feel an element of closure that some don’t get when a loved one dies.

Still, when I first received the phone call on a Sunday from my stepmom June that Daddy was gone, I felt the shock. We were supposed to have started daily video chats the day before, which never happened because he simply slipped into sleep that morning, and never awoke.

Me and Daddy - Aurelius, Michigan, USA, c. 2008. Daddy’s wearing his traditional Michigan winter hat. Every.single.winter.since.about.1940, lol 😂

I’m grateful he was able to leave this life pain-free. Little did I know that Friday’s video chat was to be the first and the last. The last time I laid eyes on my dad or heard his voice telling me he loved me. His final words to me were “God bless you, kiddo,” and he was smiling at me when he said it. A big deal, since he would only talk about the Lord when I brought Him up.

I realized during those first few days after he'd gone that I'd been deeply grieving Daddy for much longer than I'd realized, even though I was fully aware of the 'preparatory grief' I'd been experiencing. It had been just a matter of time, it was big ... and it was finally here.

Without an Outlet

As there was to be no traditional service or memorial according to his wishes, navigating feelings, decisions, and plans have proven tricky. And hard. Being in another state some 900 miles away from my family, there was not a place to go to process my grief or celebrate his life with them outside of a few phone calls. Understandably, my stepmom has wanted and needed space because her son is moving in and there’s a lot to do in preparation. Better for her as she adjusts to her own new way of life to keep things simple and peaceful, and I agree with that.

To be honest, however, initially I felt not only deep sorrow but also experienced feeling cheated, alone, overwhelmed, numb, and confused. Yes, confused. There were other griefs that began to surface, which makes sense once I began to process them, but they were absolutely unexpected, bewildering, and seemed to overshadow the ‘present’ loss.

Even my paints seemed to be shadowed …

And then there was my studio. Creativity. Good gravy, ya’ll.

My studio, my creative space, once a sanctuary, became a hollow, lifeless room each time I peered in … for some reason, it was not an invitation but rather a stark reminder of my loss. The brushes, canvases, and vibrant paints seemed muted in the shadow of my grief. I remember meandering in there daily and wondering what happened. Did all the color go out of my life? Where did the joy go? I would think. I remember looking at the canvases, easels and my art journaling table, unable to summon the resolve to create.

Thankfully, in my lostness, I began to journal to help sort things through. I worshipped when I didn’t feel like it. My faith - or more accurately, Jesus - was the anchor during the early days after Daddy died. He remains very close, providing comfort, strength, and a sense of His Presence - so close that it transcends the pain. And the faithfulness, the kindness and fellowship with my closest confidantes and community has also made a huge difference.

Finding Comfort in Creating

After a few weeks, I began to feel a gentle nudge to return to my work. Art has always been one of the key ways of processing my life, along with writing/journaling, nature walks, traveling and exploring new places, and photography. Plus, I still had to move forward with my commitments as an entrepreneur, and so working and creating became an avenue for dealing with my grief. 

I decided to start small, with simple art journaling pages. It was a struggle to begin, I won’t lie. It was a stop and start venture at best. I got frustrated. I cried. I felt like a failure. I began to wonder if I was even supposed to be an artist or entrepreneur anymore. I couldn’t believe it - I was so … blocked. It took some time, some prayer, some ugly pages (and equally ugly cries), some paint slaps, and some good ol’ fashioned Southern grit somewhere deep in my belly to overcome. And, very messily and clumsily, at last I did.

One day, as I wrestled with the initial “blank page” syndrome that most artists are familiar with, I realized something. As I provide video content for my faith-based art journaling group, SOUL Collective with Debra Hart Studio, it dawned on me that the struggle itself (and how I hoped to move through it) might be helpful to others.

Early morning light flooding my art journaling table and a fresh page

So I began to film what I was doing. That filming became a much larger ‘thing’ that God was doing. It ended up being a 14-video series for my SOUL Collective group - and one that I’ll incorporate into my upcoming online video course, Intuitive Art Journaling.

Although I didn’t really think of it in those terms at the time (I made lots of mistakes, laughed at myself, fussed at myself, and shared how to bring fun into the process), what I was doing while filming was processing my grief through the act of creating. And through sharing my gifts with others.

Realizing this came much later (as in, today as I write this, ha). Only God, only God could do something like that! Each brushstroke, each little decision on the page, each sharing of my heart for creativity was a simple moment of worship, a step towards healing, a way to process my emotions without words. Okay, some words, since I was talking on the videos :)

Mixed Media Art & Music

So I soldier on, creatively. And in this season, I am finding a reprieve and joy in working with softer colors and mediums in my mixed media art.

While I’m still using my go-to mixed media materials and color palettes, I noticed recently that I’ve muted them with more pastels and whites. I think their gentle nature mirrors my need for softness, grace, and fluidity in dealing with my emotions. I’ve also noticed that I avoid harsh mark making, too heavy lines, and bold colors for the time being, opting instead for soothing, blended tones that reflect my inner landscape and feel … well, safer somehow. For now.

Daddy at the Hart Family Reunion in Mason, Michigan, with his Takemine 12-string

There’s also a reprieve in realizing how much of Daddy’s interests have become mine … Of sorts … okay, let’s just say interest ‘adjacent.’ He was a gifted musician on the guitar, mandolin, and banjo with folk, country and bluegrass music - I am a worship vocalist and budding mandolin player. He loved growing vegetables, herbs, and berries - and I have a green thumb with flowers and indoor plants. He was a natural craftsman with wood - I’ve been an artist and writer ever since I could hold a brush and a pen. He was a photographer and photo developer in the U.S. Army National Guard - I have had some form of a camera in my hands since I was about 12. So these things I have found myself leaning into - rediscovering some of my passions that line up so closely with Daddy’s somehow brings him closer and is proving immensely healing.  

Balancing an Art Business and Healing from Loss

Running Debra Hart Studio during this time has been both incredibly challenging - and full of grace and blessing. A hard, sweet, and beautiful dichotomy. There have been hours of time, sometimes days, when it has been nearly impossible to bring myself to engage with clients, work my part-time gig, be on top of admin tasks and marketing efforts, or work on commissions. Yet somehow, as I bravely forged on a bit at a time, the work itself began to emerge as a sanctuary. I say ‘bravely’ not because I’m special, but because it felt really scary and beyond what I was capable of mentally, emotionally or even physically … and I did it anyway.

Maybe it was other than bravery, as I’d been feeling so lost that doing something felt better than nothing. Either way, what’s happening is a surprising and supernatural grace that appeared just when I’ve needed it. I have been able to show up and do all the things, including the peopling and adulting and arting. I'm keenly aware of it still. And keenly aware also of the Lord’s presence, as He generously promises to be “near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18).

More Grace and Boundaries in Grief for the Artist

In 2023 during my last visit to Michigan, Daddy gave me his 1920 Gibson mandolin

Over the past 20 years or so, I’ve been on a hard-earned journey of learning to give myself grace, to accept that it is okay to take a step back and focus on what brings LIFE. It might seem counter-intuitive, especially at first, but it also means leaning into grieving, processing, and ultimately, healing. Partnering with Jesus has been the way through. I’m still on the journey, still learning, and constantly in need of His beautiful grace.

One important step during this season of grief has been setting healthy boundaries. I’ve had days where emotions have been raw, near the surface, and overwhelming. There has been a need for an extra measure of self-care such as sleeping, naps, shorter work sessions when needed, walking, fooling around on the mandolin, phone calls to dearest ones (or needing space from calls), journaling, and of course, weeping. Grief can be incredibly exhausting! 

So, I’ve communicated with friends, family and clients about my situation and asked for patience and understanding. I haven’t gone into the details about what I’ve been experiencing for most; I simply share that Daddy passed away and I need time to process the loss. Although I already knew it, can I just say that I have the BEST people in my life?! All have been incredibly supportive, offering words of comfort and allowing me space to grieve. This support network has been invaluable, reminding me that it’s not only okay - but rather necessary - to lean on others when times are rough.

Transitioning 

Daddy’s girl, 2nd birthday, Aurelius Twp., Mason, Michigan, USA

I’m finding this to be a transition time, learning to live without my Daddy. I can’t go visit and feel his strong arms reassuring me or the grip of his rough, gentle carpenter hands in mine. I cannot call him or ask his advice or hear him play guitar or crack a really dry, really bad dad-joke or harmonize a John Denver song together. I probably won’t recognize his home when I do get to Michigan for a visit, so much will have changed simply because he’s gone. I don’t look forward to any of this and I don’t know when the loss will fade, if ever.

So I’m left transitioning. Finding a new rhythm in my life, studio practices, and business. My art and creativity will likely shift as a result, infused with more wisdom, light and a fresh story. Already, my private worship and writing/journaling times have transitioned. At some point in my studio, I’ll likely incorporate brighter colors and bolder strokes to reflect the journey from the shadows into light. Each piece, each video, every word penned will become a testament to the power and resilience that flows from Jesus within.

And all the while, my art, journals, and canvases are becoming a visual diary of the healing process.

Moving Through Grief as an Artist or Entrepreneur

Processing grief while being an artist and entrepreneur continues to be a deeply informative (and transformative) experience. I am finding my way. Even though I experience the loneliness of being without Daddy, I am not alone. Holy Spirit has been my constant companion, guiding me through the darkest moments and helping me see the light ahead.

As I heal, I’m finding ways to honor Daddy’s memory and his passion for music, nature, gardening, woodworking, and creativity as he understood and embraced it - working with his hands.

As I heal, I’m journeying with a strength-grace and seeking the hidden purpose in it all.

Learning to journey with strength-grace

As I heal, I’m asking the Lord to bless others with whom I’m journeying because of - and despite - this loss. That’s how the Kingdom works - nothing is wasted, and that brings even greater glory to Jesus. A big, big win for those of us who believe.

If you are going through a similar experience, I really do feel you.

Please know that it’s okay to take your time. It’s okay to do what you need to do most in order to begin feeling human and whole and creative and energized again. Listen to that inner voice that’s whispering, calling you to seek out beauty, rest, joy, laughter, tears, or whatever is needed in the moment.

And there’s great, great power in leaning on (or finding) your faith in Jesus, a creative expression, and your community. Healing from grief may be an unwelcome journey, but it is a journey none of us can escape and one you don’t have to walk alone.

🤍 🤍 🤍

Debra Hart is an Atlanta-based fine artist and entrepreneur. Her work is inspired by her relationship with Jesus, the natural world, and personal experiences, creating contemporary abstract and semi-abstract pieces resonating with emotion and beauty. She loves writing, shooting photos, her family, and kittehs.

She also is a creativity guide through the various international artist communities she serves, including online courses and workshops, as well as her Creative Cafe with Debra Hart Studio and SOUL Collective with Debra Hart Studio.  You can learn more about Debra, view her art, and learn about other offerings at www.debrahartstudio.com.

Back in the studio this week …