My name is Missy (Ada Holmes) McIver, age 74.
When did I become a member of the vulnerable generation? I majored in Art History, which gave me a lifelong love of art, but was too intimidated to try studio art.
In my 20’s I spent a year studying photography and calligraphy, both lifelong avocations. I am also a knitter.
Fast forward 40 years. I was caring for my mother and aunt (in their 90’s). I was looking for something I could do at home while hanging out with them.
I took a one day pastel class and was hooked. I studied pastels and then oils with that teacher for several years. I have exhibited in the South Carolina State Fair, winning several awards.
While I envy artists who see abstractly, I’m not there yet. But thanks to The Bascom I have taken classes in Cold Wax and Encaustic, which has loosened me up some. Do you begin to get the idea that I am a bit ADD?
I have also studied with Carol Marine, Julian Merrow-Smith, Chris Groves, and Barbara Jaenicke (pastels). All are
worth googling.
Prior to the pandemic, I had been avoiding painting and spent my time knitting, making jewelry and gardening. I felt the more I had learned the less I liked what I was doing. Hence, avoidance. A friend invited me to join an online Facebook Group titled Covid-19. She then challenged me to a painting a day for 2 weeks. To my amazement I completed it and actually liked some of the pieces I did. My inner critic stepped back. I got some positive feedback and found I was having fun again. It has made this difficult time more bearable.
I am not a professional artist, but am always amazed when I step back, wondering how I did that. I’m still not painting as much as I would like. I am now sidetracked by Gelli/monotype printing, which helps loosen me up.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
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