From Flu to Fearless: Sharing my Art Journey Story
Back in January, while I was recovering from the flu (yes, I had a flu shot!) and feeling dramatically close to writing my own eulogy, my dear friend Susan called. Susan, who has an uncanny way with words (and persuasion), invited me to share my art journey at one of her Stories on the Lawn productions at the Neill-Cochran House Museum.
Now, if you're not familiar, this is a Moth-style storytelling event that has gathered quite the cult following here in Austin. Who knew Austin had a whole underground storytelling scene? Well, Susan did. And she didn’t just invite me—oh no. She convinced? Coaxed? Cajoled? (Tricked?) me into saying yes.
And you know what? It turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.
First, I had to excavate my past like an archaeologist unearthing long-buried treasures—and, let’s be honest, a few artistic missteps that probably should have stayed buried. I sifted through the highs, the lows, the "what was I thinking?" moments, and those beautifully transformative milestones. And then, I had to fit all of it into seven minutes. No pressure, right?
Susan, being the brilliant storyteller she is, acted as my coach, editor, and occasional therapist. She nudged me when my story meandered, tightened up my pacing, and somehow made me sound way more interesting than I actually am.
But here’s the really cool thing: I told my story while standing in the middle of my current exhibit, "Threads of Her Story." Surrounded by my art, sharing my art life. Talk about vulnerable… I mean, do I want to be shriveling in the corner? Maybe. But instead, there I was, fully in it—standing in the middle of my work, literally and figuratively, and putting my heart out there.
So, here it is—the recording of my story. I hope you’ll listen and maybe even find a piece of your own journey reflected in mine. This art life has been one wild ride, and I can't wait to see what the next few decades have in store!
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