As a young girl I enjoyed when all my siblings and myself would gather to hear my dad’s stories in which he would supplement with funny pictures he would draw himself. Many of my siblings also showed an ability towards the arts whether it was music or drawing and painting. During my school years art class was always my favourite subject as I tended to do well in it. I did not however get formal education in the arts after High School as I found myself married and then a mother of two boys. When I did find the time I did draw or paint. On one occasion I was encouraged to go and paint at a contest for charity. I was so nervous as I was surrounded trained artists and students from the nearby art school. To my surprise my work was recognized and I placed in the top three. That kept the flame of art alive for a while as I raised my sons. Over the years I also volunteered my art skills from time to time.

The time had come when I had more free time and I decided to go to College to become a Special Education Teacher’s Assistant. Soon after graduation I obtained a job working in the local school district. I enjoyed working with students and staff members. After a few years I made the decision with the help of my husband to step back from my job as my father’s cancer progressed. I wanted to be there to help out and take him to chemotherapy appointments. No job is more important than family and life is precious. Thankfully my husband has been a financial support who has never pressured me to work to pay the bills, it was only if I wanted to.

December 2019 I had a last minute opportunity to tag along with my sisters on a Hawaiian vacation. That was my first time visiting Hawaii. The warm air was so soothing and the natural beauty made me feel like I was in a paradise. I am so glad that I did as I did not know at the time how much our world would change a few months from then and in turn igniting my passion for art in a way I had not done before.

Today I am thrilled to have met so many lovely artist online who are not only inspiring but cheer their fellow artists to share their work with the world. So here I type this today with a happy heart to be able to make one of my dreams a reality of being an artist as I launch my website.

Sandra Glyngsdal