JUST JULIET....
"You're a painter. You're a baker. You like to sleep with the windows open. You never take sugar in your tea. And you always double-knot your shoelaces."
-Katniss Everdeen
It took me a long time to really understand who I was. Outside the world's acceptance, within the worldly rules of my faith, even how I interacted with people.
For most of my childhood the things that made me special and unique, I considered oddities—attributes that separated me from being accepted, or even from being seen. It was through the unconditional love of animals, the river that let me climb her, and the power of story that over time helped me better know myself. Finally there was Jesus, there was a husband God designed for me, and there were children who became my champions... who daily taught me to love myself.
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Now it's true, I am a painter, a baker, and someone who prefers to sleep with the windows open. I am a lover of story and also a writer of many... praying that God continue to make a way for me to share what is in me, in a way that might help others some day.
I am also an advocate, a justice seeker and a deep empath. Often I find I feel things before I understand them, and it is from that place which I write and also paint. I believe in helping others, and doing so in a way that displays my Lord. I love my cats, and live half the time with my black best friend resting upon my shoulder, falling asleep with my hand on his back at night. I love considering, and I've been told I think and feel more than most, which in truth feels more confusing than complimentary. But I love very deeply, and I do so in full abandon. I'm grateful that Jesus found me when he did, and that he's trusting me with the struggles, the heartache and the victory of my life. I am a survivor, I am a comforter, and I am called to journey down into the darkness with the hope of bringing love and light. I am many things, but mostly I am Juliet. And I have finally come to learn what is wonderful about that. I hope you discover the same. For you. Maybe I can be a part of helping you get there.
MY FAITH AND MY GOD
It's important to me that all those I am connected to, or all those who follow my work, understand that I too was once someone very lost. I lived a long time deeply misunderstanding my ideas about who God was and if he cared for me. Discovering how wrong I was changed my life forever. I would like very much to introduce you to this beloved One I call my Savior. He loves me very well and that love has given me life. He loves you also, far more deeply than you could ever know.
MY FAMILY
"Our Family is our Fortress..."
- Avatar
Beyond my devotion to Christ, my family is the heartbeat of my existence. Falling in love with my husband began a journey that remains my greatest thrill and deepest joy. Together we pursued God and his global world, creating for ourselves the sanctuary of our family. Our daughters Judea and Galilee are both the sun rising and the peace of twilight. Together we laugh and play—climbing tall trees, splashing in rivers, and nurturing endless dreams. We have roamed the globe and established home together in places where belonging once seemed impossible. Each member of my family is an extraordinary miracle, uniquely crafted by Jesus to bring light and beauty into this world. More so than anything to me.
MENTORING & TEACHING
“We rise by lifting others.” — Robert Ingersoll
I never considered myself much of a teacher. And yet over the years, through the people who love me best, I have learned that the way I listen and care, and how I ask Jesus to lead me in loving well, has taught, guided and provided tools of great blessing.
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The people who taught me the most profound lessons in my life were humble listeners who lived by the word of God. Exemplifying his character to me in the best and worst of times. They were steady sojourners, seekers, and investigators of my heart. And they were people who functioned in their giftings, not arrogantly, but from a posture that honored Jesus.
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Through their example I came to see that through the process of painting my journey and owning my story, I became a teacher of art that spoke to the soul. Through writing and vulnerability, I helped others to find their courage. And through loving, learning and choosing to fight towards growth, I honored Jesus... more than any perfect Christian walk could do.
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This is the posture I desire to mentor from. To help, to support, to love and to stay. Everyone deserves someone to walk with them because of love, and because it is exactly what Jesus would do.
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." -
C.S. Lewis
My journey with Jesus began a long time ago. When all I knew was fire, Jesus made me a river. When I believed I was alone and unfixable, God used his tender hands to bind my wounds, to calm my fears and to hold me nearly, in a way that taught me love.
I knew from the moment we met that anything I ever did, or anyone I ever tried to be, had to be rooted in him. I also understood that any impact I could have on this world needed to be centered in Him.
He is the giver of my blessings, he is the artist behind my art. Jesus is my heartbeat and he will always be. He is also my best friend, and the anchor of my life.
WRITING & ART
"There is no exquisite beauty... without some strangeness in the proportion"
-Sir Francis Bacon
I am not a believer in "beautiful art", but I am a believer in art that shines beauty.
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For me, art is only beautiful when it tells a story, when it is honest, and when it is being done for the artist first, telling their internal world. From there, the best we can hope is that it touches the heart of someone else more deeply.
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A lot of my work may appear strange or otherworldly to many. Yet all of it is imagery of the unseen, depictions of the heart. Experiences we go through underneath our skin that most of us lack the courage to share. Within my artistic journey, I have found that I cannot create if I do not do so from my heart. To see more of my work visit my gallery page or Substack.
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