Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Indigene Theresa Gaskin


I love being a late bloomer because it says to the world that “blooming” is always available to each and every person and your blooming comes at the right time for you, and it’s the blooming that matters, not the timing of it!

In December 2000, my best friend gave me a beautiful coffee table art book on Van Gogh for Christmas. As I looked through that beautiful book on Christmas day and many days after that, my passion for bold and vivid art came alive again. That year my depression was at its worst and at the root of it was this feeling of being totally unfulfilled and that time was running out for discovering what I truly wanted to do. That book was my constant companion during that holiday season and as each day went by, the intensity increased until January 1, 2001, I turned 42 years old. I felt compelled to reawaken that love and fascination I had with art as a child.

It was as if a fire had ignited within me, so I went out and bought some art supplies and I have never looked back! 

I created everyday for the first nine months in 2001, participated in my first group exhibit and the following year had my first solo exhibit!
Creating art changed my focus, my mental health and fueled a passion that continues to grow after twelve years!



My passion is creating faces of women surrounded by vivid color. 

I usually created my faces in graphite and in the last two years I have been incorporating handmade paper, fabric and text into my mixed media paintings! My identity as a woman and an artist are intrinsically connected. I love exploring feminine myths, symbolism, spirituality and archetypal concepts. I try to express all these diverse interests by creating mixed media pieces of cultural diverse women in a concept I like to describe as the Universal Woman. My “created women” tell a story through their expressions and the color that surround them. It starts off with my story, but continues as the viewer adds their own thoughts and feelings to the piece as they view it, becoming a story for all of us.

BLOG:           http://www.indigeneart.com
SHOP:            http://www.etsy.com/shop/IndigeneArtForms 
FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/indigeneart
TWITTER:     http://twitter.com/Indigene1
Websitehttp://indigeneart.com
"Illuminating the black and white of life in vivid color"

For Original Art, Greeting Cards and Art Tiles 
Contact Indigene directly at: indigene@indigeneart.com 





22 comments:

  1. Thank you for your story! I related to it very much. Art helped with my depression too - once I started painting and discovered it was my passion, the depression subsided. Congratulations on your wonderful work and for finding your passion, too!!

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    1. Alisa, art is my go-to in all situations now, it is my tried and true cure! :)

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  2. I love hearing stories like yours . . . and what you said about timing . . .
    "It’s the blooming that matters, not the timing of it!" That quote is going to stick in my head for a long time. I am so very pleased and excited that you are doing the exact thing that fills your heart with passion.
    To everything there is a season . . . late bloomers, know this to be true.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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    1. Connie, I loved reading all the stories here, it confirms I have made the best decision of my life. Thank you so much for commenting on it. :)

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  3. what a BEAUTIFUL story and sharing of yourself! and i love your artwork and colors! and you have a marvelous way of looking into and at life. i too am a late bloomer and loving it all! and the photo you chose of yourself make me want to speak with you in person right now! i am clapping and smiling. xo

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    1. Wanda, thank you for your encouragement and life is wonderful as a late bloomer! :)

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  4. Alisa, Connie and Wanda, thank you for commenting on my story. I deeply appreciate your comments and encouragement. I'm just happy I allowed myself to bloom and in the end that what counts, that you bloomed. :)

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  5. We all get our inspiration from unique places. (Some more unique than others.) After a period of a few years without drawing, I was reprimanded by a co-worker (and fellow artist) and I was guilted into drawing again. I haven't stopped since. His work is so unbelievably awesome, however, has it nearly inspired me to toss all my pens and markers and take up a respectable trade - like plumbing.

    Funny thing is - he has said the same thing about me.

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    1. Mr. Pincus I'm thinking every day is a blooming day for you! :)

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  6. I think there are quite a few "late bloomers" Indigene. You are a great inspiration and testament to the healing power of creativity and a woman's inner strength and spirit. Thank you for sharing this!

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    1. Catherine you are an amazing testament to late bloomers, I hope that you share your story here, too! Thank you for stopping by and commenting. :)

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  7. Beautiful story Indigene. I will hop over and see your blog. Your art is vibrant and full of life and strength. I know how creating each day helps me stay happy in my heart and it looks like that is working so well for you.....Thanks for sharing yourself with us. xox

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    1. Thank you Corrine! Sharing one's self, is always a scary thing, I'm just so grateful for people like you who are so encouraging and kind. Thank you again.

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  8. Your story is beautiful just as your art is. Creating has helped me live my life happy and fulfilled just as you're doing. Thank you for sharing with us.

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    1. Janet, thank you for the kindness of your words! Creating is a healing balm for so many things! :)

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  9. Art helped me get through a dark period also. In fact, it was a dark period that drove me to re-discover art. Creation is such a powerful and healing thing! Your work is beautiful and congratulations on your successes, may there be more and more and more! Best, Erin

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    1. Erin, thank you, thank you! I believe that art is there for those dark nights of the soul; it is a flickering light beckoning us to continue and flourish. I am so happy to hear that it has been a healing aspect for you too! Isn't it amazing, we are never alone in how we feel...we just need to tell the story. :) Thank you again!

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  10. Teresa, I just wanted to say again, thank you so much for having this beautiful container for all late bloomers to come and share their stories! You have such a beautiful heart. Thank you for your kindness and open heart!

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  11. Indigene,

    what a wonderful story! I can relate :-) I was 50 before I felt brave enough to take my first art class. now there is no stopping me. I want to learn so much but more importantly I just want to create something each and every day. I didn't know that all those frustrations I felt about myself and my life were simply because I was not creating. who cares how long it takes to bloom - as long as we bloom it's a good thing!

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  12. I thought I commented on this post last week but apparently not. I know I commented in my head! Tee-hee!
    I love vivid color and faces, and your art is just awesome! I'm glad that Van Gogh awakened your creative spirit!
    Thank you for sharing.
    D~~~~

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  13. Indeed. Each and every day holds potential for buds, blooms and blossoms! I'm so glad that your flame sparked such wonderful inspiration. You remind me of how much I love Vinnie (Van Gogh) and how vital Good Friendships are to have and to nurture.

    Merry creating!
    Merry blooming!

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  14. Indigene, it's wonderful seeing your story here at Creative Late Bloomer. I am so happy that you have found art to help you heal. Great post. xo

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