Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Corrine Gilman

I have always made art of some kind of another and loved writing all through my life,
but I never fit the mold of the "artist".
 I chose wild color and chaos, not perfect portraits or pastoral landscapes.

When I made my art it gave me such a sense of inner calm and happiness that I just kept on painting wild and collaging bold. In 2009, when I was 53, I really needed something more in my life, a personal journey that would fulfill me on a more spiritual plane. I began blogging to connect with other women like myself, to see what kind of art other folks made and to enjoy the visual eye candy of the online world. I began to find some fantastic women who became my virtual friends, and some my real world friends since meeting and greeting a few of them. All the while creating my wild and bold work and becoming happier but still seeking something.


On a whim I went to a workshop at Creative Juices Arts in Oakland, CA, across the country from where I live and I found my heart. I came home from that workshop and signed up for the teacher training and have never looked back. In that first 5 day workshop I gave myself permission to be sparkly, and the name of my studio was born; Sparkle Days Studio. As an expressive arts facilitator I believe that I am a creativity cheerleader and a big rock obstacle mover. I try to create a place not only to make my own art, but to allow others the sacred space to "follow their heart and not the rules" and make the kind of art that speaks their true voice.

Each day I struggle with the same things we all do, the inner critic who gets in the way, the excuse making of not finding the time for art, but I try and put my cheeriness forth in my blog on my site and find that my friends resonate with the positive and enjoy my chaotic bold art. I am deeply touched that the online community in this blogosphere has welcomed me so positively and encourages me daily to keep making and being who I am. If I can make one other person feel the same way I do, then I have given something of value to the world. I strive to do that every day.

13 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing my story and all the stories of the fabulous women who are finding true happiness by following their dreams....xox

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  2. It's a great story. So blessed to know you and have that lower piece gracing the wall of my home too!
    Thanks for sharing your journey and enthusiasm the way you do, Corrine.

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  3. Hi Corrine, I just peeked at your website / blog and your work is fun and vibrant and it's obvious you just really love creating, in all sorts of manners! Have you ever worked in a visual journal? Based on the work I saw, visual journaling would be right up your alley.

    Welcome to the Late Bloomers!
    Erin of art-is-try (art-is-try-artistry.blogspot.com)

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  4. Thanks ladies! This was a really nice experience. xox

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  5. So great to read this! It is so encouraging and inspirational.
    I am too close to Oakland not to check this out. I want some sparkle too!

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  6. Wonderful to learn more about my bloggy buddy! Yes, you are indeed sparkly! ♥♥♥

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  7. I love reading histories of how people came to make art. It's so wonderful that you found that Creative Juices class. You made a bold jump to become a teacher. I love your work and your positive outlook always encourages me. I hope one day soon I can get up to Mass. and visit your studio.
    Thanks for sharing your story Corrine!

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  8. Anyone who knows Corrine knows she is SPARKLY and awesome!!

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  9. Just love Corrine how you dove right into teacher training and have not looked back. Awesome! Lovely work, I took a look at your website and joined you on FB. :)

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  10. What a delight to learn more about Corrine. I love her art and can vouch for her making a positive mark in my days!

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  11. Love the name of your studio can't wait to check out your website!

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  12. So happy to know more of Corrine's story. She is a dear!!! And I LOVE her vibrant colors she uses and I love portrait so much that goes along with her photo in this post and Corrine knows why. :)

    I have been blessed to have met this fine lady a year or so ago here in our blogging community.

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  13. I love Corrine! Anytime I feel afraid to try something new in my creative life, I hop over to her blog and see her beautiful fearless and colorful art and I am immediately inspired! Hum, now I see from above that Lisa Graham has met this wonderful lady and I am envious! Lovely interview, thank you!

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