🌿 A DEEPER DIVE into My Journey as an Artist🌿

“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating in some form or another.”

Creativity has always been part of who I am. Over the years, I’ve explored many creative outlets—from woodworking and my small business, Lisa’s Pieces, to restoring furniture, photography, and other artistic pursuits. Looking back, I realize each experience was preparing me for the path I would eventually follow.

In 2015, after the loss of my mother, my life changed in ways I never expected. As an only child, I struggled to find my footing after losing someone who had always been my greatest source of love and support. During that difficult time, my horses became a quiet source of comfort and healing.

One horse in particular, my cow horse Stormy, helped carry me through some of my darkest days. She gently drew me back into the saddle, and together we returned to the show arena. Traveling and competing with her gave me a renewed sense of purpose and reminded me that healing often comes one small step at a time.

When Stormy was later diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, I made the difficult decision to retire her from competition so she could enjoy a quieter life on the trails. Once again, I found myself searching for direction.

While going through my mother’s belongings, I came across her art supplies. It felt like an unexpected invitation. I picked up a brush simply to see what might happen, never imagining that painting would become such an important part of my life.

Art gave me a new way to process grief, reconnect with myself, and express feelings that words couldn’t always capture. What began as a personal journey of healing has grown into a lifelong passion for creating paintings that celebrate nature, animals, and the quiet moments that often go unnoticed.

Although horses continue to inspire much of my work, my artistic journey has expanded to include the landscapes, light, and atmosphere that surround my everyday life. Whether I’m painting a horse, an open pasture, or a peaceful horizon, my hope is always the same—to create work that encourages others to slow down, reflect, and find beauty, peace, and connection in the world around them.

Looking back, I believe discovering my mother’s art supplies was one of the greatest gifts she ever gave me. Through painting, I found not only my artistic voice but also a renewed sense of purpose.