We recently connected with Mista Whitson and have shared our conversation below.

Mista, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I was born and raised in the mountains of NC where my dad owned and operated a small country store. Our store was the center of our community. People would gather on the weekends around our store to whittle wood, sit by the wood stove, sing, talk and share stories. The ladies most often would gather to quilt, do tatting and other crafts. So, I grew up surrounded by various forms of art. As a child, I was surrounded by nature as well as our home was situated on the bank of a small creek. I would spend hours drawing fairies and other little creatures I believed lived in the nature I was a part of.
My love of art continued into adulthood. After receiving a watercolor set as a gift I enrolled into a painting class at the local community college near where I lived. There my love of drawing and painting grew. Playing with watercolors became my favorite. Watching how the colors could flow, combine was magical to me.
After finally having enough courage to quit my job as an orthodontic assistant seven years ago. I have made creating original watercolor jewelry my full time job. I paint tiny watercolors which are then placed in a frame/ frames( pendants or earrings) then place a glass tile or clear resin on top of the tiny wearable, work of art.
My favorite place to paint is on my front porch in Weaverville NC ( 60 minutes from where I grew up). Surrounded by my garden, bees, butterflies, rabbits, squirrels and the occasional fairy…if you’re lucky enough to see one! 😉

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being an artist is rewarding for me on a few different levels. Personally it is my meditation, a way for my soul to escape. When I pick up a brush I forget every worry or stress .It’s all about peace and tranquility. Secondly and also the part that touches my soul are the people that are my customers. I have had so many people send me messages saying something I painted reminded them of a past loved one. Or that a painting inspired them to do something out of their box. Or the painting of a flower reminded them of the beauty in the world. I’ve shared laughter and tears with my customers over the years and many have become friends, I very blessed to say.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Ask and It Is Given, Learning to Manifest Your Desires by Esther and Jerry Hicks. I read this book years ago and learned the true art of manifesting dreams and desires. Also, I would say to find friends who support you and your artistic endeavors. I am lucky enough to be part of a group of ladies ( The Book Club Girls as we call ourselves) that have been my biggest support system.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.HandPaintedJewelryMW.com
• Instagram: mistadw
• Facebook: Watercolor By Mista