Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karyn Walker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Karyn , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Being a Creative is a process – much like being an Entrepreneur. If you think you have “got it” – you’re fooling yourself.

I learn something new everyday , if I allow myself that opportunity. Whether it’s a new skill in my artistic endeavors or navigating how to operate a brick & mortar art studio in small town America., I have to be open-minded and humble enough to learn from my mistakes and successes.

Sometimes opportunities are put in front of you and you move forward with the information you have and do the best you can. Having other successful creative entrepreneurs in your circle that you can trust and glean wisdom from is very essential. However, you have to remember what worked for them may not necessarily work for you.

Authenticity to yourself and your community are also essential for success, well-being, and a somewhat balanced life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Well, I knew I would be an Artisan as a kid. Life can throw things at you and it seems I had to always be ready to fix something or make something from nothing. I believe we all have a Creator hidden inside of us but it can get lost through time . Lost when we’re told to color inside the lines or taught that a creative path is not the best path to wander for financial success. So many just put their dreams and giftings aside.

I have a passion to help people rediscover their Maker within.. We offer Art Experiences and workshops at The Arts Garage to foster personal creativity and expression and we partner with clients to help them create a home that reflects their inner Creator as well. We can create art for their homes or businesses that make them smile – it’s a simple and good practice.

Recently we had a 9 year old visitor, Archie, who was a bit apprehensive to try Art again. He shared he came in the Studio not liking Art anymore because his teacher “just ruined it all” for him.
After spending about 45 minutes painting a ceramic piece he said, “Miss Karyn, I’m glad I came today – I like Art again” . That is a problem solved. It happens almost everyday at the Studio and if we can accomplish our mission
then we have reached a measure of success.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Who doesn’t love the praise of their parents?

One thing my father did well, was to profusely praise my creative endeavors. So much so that when I walked into my first Studio Class at University I thought I was prepared. On the contrary, I learned that there are many other talented Creatives in the world and I am not the best. I learned over time to just be the best me that I can possibly be in the present.

I am learning still to this day to be authentic and true to who I am and what I value as a person, wife, mom, business owner, and entrepreneur.

As I embrace my true self and produce work that reflects what I value then I will eventually find the audience that enjoys my work.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

We decided to home educate our kiddos for several reasons. Our family’s lifestyle lends itself to a calendar year and a spirit free from unnecessary boundaries and obstacles.

Public education is long overdue for an overhaul. Many children thrive in the current system, however many do not.

It’s important to learn lessons from our history and learn how to combine elements in chemistry for a higher purpose as well as other skills for a healthy productive life. The danger enters the classroom when our test scores outweigh the pursuit of our natural giftings and passions..

Realistically I don’t see things changing much in the public education arena in the near future. Consequently, education then falls back where it started – in the home. Parents can provide opportunities for their family to experience as much as possible to foster giftings and discover new passions. One experience can impact a child’s life in an astronomical way.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.theartsgaragetn.com
• Instagram: #theartsgaragetn
• Facebook: The Arts Garage TN
• Yelp: The Arts Garage TN 118 West Walnut Street, Smithville TN 37166

Image Credits
My photos Karyn Walker