Every child arrives on the planet with no “self-image“. He or she simply arrives an innocent blank slate, and from that moment on, EVERY experience leaves an impression on the slate. And every impression, whether positive or negative, contributes to that child’s “self-image”.

I grew up being told that to paint and draw was an OK hobby, something to hang on your wall or give away to friends and family, but really……..don’t ever expect that such a trivial pasttime could  become a serious career. When it came time for college, I was not allowed to attend a design school, but instead attended a state university to pursue a degree in elementary education. By the time I was a junior and actually got into a classroom to do my student teaching, it was too much! I quit, found a job in a women’s apparel store doing their newspaper art and copywriting,  and then went home and announced my decision to my devastated, disappointed parents.

To really claim my self-image as my own has required discipline and determination, introspection and a huge dose of trust. It isn’t easy to erase those old, limiting beliefs, but it is possible. My parents, products of the great depression, weren’t intentionally trying to limit my potential. In their minds, they were only steering me on a more secure path to success. Unfortunately, by doing so, I had to stifle what I was passionate about……….painting and drawing!

Finally I can say my self-image truly is MY self-image, but it has taken years to arrive here. Is your self-image really yours?

Keebler Alf

My name is Suzanne Schaefer and I’ve literally been painting, drawing, sculpting, and discovering new ways to create my entire life.  I live in the glorious Pacific Northwest, an empty-nester sharing my home with my long-time companion, my dog, 15 year old Keebler Alf. Remember that 80′s TV show, ALF? Well…doesn’t he look like him? That is a painting I did of him a few years ago, but he still looks the same. Cute, cute, too cute dog!

Although I’m really brand new at this blogging business, it’s time to not only share some of my creations/artwork but to communicate with others who are equally passionate about creating “stuff”, be it jewelry, paintings, drawings, sewn items, whatever. And…….creating the life you really want. We all have that power. We are, afterall, creating a life with every thought we think, whether we’re aware of it or not. So this blog is all about creating, creating, creating. Creating beautiful, magical, wonderous stuff, and a life that we truly love. I’ll be sharing some true stories, random thoughts and some observations along the way and hope you’ll join the conversation.

As I learn what I’m doing here, the look of this website will probably change frequently, at least at first. But…I’m excited and looking forward to the entire experience!

Welcome to onewomansart.com!