We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sue Scoggins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sue, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents lived with character and integrity. My father taught me to always give it my best or a little better and to keep my eyes on the horizon when things got rough. “That whatever you do for the least of these, you do unto me.” (words of Jesus). That I was valued and loved by God.

This shaped every decision I’ve ever made. Good ones and bad ones. And, that no matter what, no matter how hard things got I was never alone.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My story began, finding myself walking down the street, begging God for it not to be true. Was this my fault? Please take it away! This could be 20 years.

It was as if a voice told me, “You wanted to be on the mission field…a Mother Theresa? Well, this is your mission field.”

The diagnosis had just come in. My incredibly handsome, bright, successful husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers disease. He was 50.

I remember the day that my daughter and I were laying on the bed comforting each other. I read to her a page of my journal. It took me right down into the rabbit hole of hopelessness. She, then, remembered a funny memory from the Durham Bulls game. A memory of hiccups and farts that had us laughing hysterically. That moment, I decided to journal only happy memories and to somehow capture funny moments from a bleak situation.

I’d sketch my impression of ladies at lunch or laughing on a walk. Before long, I began to put those moments on canvas. It captured hearts of those who saw them. It reminded them of family or friends they laughed with. It brought them such happiness and it brought me joy. From there, I bought a little set of oil paints and canvas and began to experiment with color. Years of practice and many canvas in the trash, I finally sold my first painting. It was humbling that someone would pay $200 of their hard earned money for one of my paintings. What wonderful supporters. So gracious.

As the years of caregiving continued, the costs went up. Jerry had been the breadwinner but it took all of our savings and a remortgage to stay a float. Shoot. I could barely afford toilet paper. : ) Painting became my livelihood and my saving grace. It took me to a place where I could put my fears and worries on the shelf for hours on end. Playing with giant oil sticks were like playing with crayons as a child. Of course, I never did stay between the lines.

After his death, I applied for workshops and artist residencies in Europe. My eyes were revived by new venues, landscapes, cafes, and the freedom to explore. My paintings are almost always emotion filled experiences I had. I’ve transitioned from Alzheimer world to a world of discoveries every day.

I am eternally grateful that I’ve been given this opportunity to give in such a way. Now I am committed to being a positive force; the task of spreading joy and hope in a difficult and chaotic world.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There were a few turning points where I faced the decision to roll over and give up or whether I would continue to race to the end. After placing my beloved husband into a home (a task that I had vowed never to do), I wanted to give up. I was so emotionally, mentally and physically depleted.

Then I got up! Literally. I began to walk. Yes, I said walk. I began to paint again and teach. Teach Alzheimer patients! They desperately needed someone to love them and show them a little bit of genuine kindness. This act of giving of my heart, began to heal it. It was enough to get my paint on canvas again. I had lost my joy but received it again.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

For me, it seems that a lot of non-creatives do not value artists or understand the time, thought and investment of soul that goes into a piece of work. I’d say that is something that can never be taught. As a creative, which I never labeled myself as that until now, I realize how different our brains work. It is important to have value in yourself and confidence in who you are, a unique creation of God. Not get insecure or defensive. Respect others. Recognize strengths and weaknesses.

Contact Info:

• Website: suescoggins.com
• Instagram: suescogginsstudio
• Facebook: suescogginsstudio
• Other: Primarily word of mouth and creating a following through relationships