We recently connected with Valerie Shavers and have shared our conversation below.

Valerie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Most of what I do and know how to do, I learned from messing up. I have tried a little bit of everything until I found things that stuck. I wish I would have tried even more different mediums, taken or applied for more opportunities, and not be afraid to “waste” money or time. Because at the core- I love words, painting, and drawing. So as long as what I’m trying has one of those elements then I will probably enjoy it! I definitely got caught up in thinking I was a painter so I needed to paint more and more to be better and better.
Looking back, I see now that I had time to paint and also experiment. I loved printmaking and I do very little with it now because of that notion that I’m only a painter. Don’t be afraid to make and do a variety of styles!

Valerie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I mainly work as an art teacher for a public school system, but my heart is really in making paintings, black out poetry, and jewelry with the hope that will be my primary source of income one day. I have a bachelors and masters from Christian Brothers University in art and art education which allowed me to explore and learn how to be curious in my own work and to show that to students.

I really want to decorate homes with my art! I have dreams of covering gallery walls in book pages to open it up to the community so see what we can make together. And I want people to think about the time and consideration that goes into my art.

I don’t create as much as I used to, which in one way I want to change, but in another has been good. If I post something it either didn’t take long to make or I’ve really been thinking about it and trying to make it the best I can.

I am most proud of my variety in my work. Combining paint and black out poetry has been a fun activity and I want to find ways to bring jewelry making into my poetry and artwork. hat is what sets me apart- trying to push myself further, try new things, while still staying honest with myself.

If you’re reading this, I want you to know how much time I spend just thinking about my work. So much contemplation and hope goes into my work. Not because I don’t love it. Because I want someone to see it and it fill that void of “Oh! That would be great!”

Granted, you’re more than welcome to buy anything I make, however, my goal is still to get my work into the hands of people that truly resonate with it.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Often time, non-creative people see art as paper on walls. “I can buy that at Walmart,” or “My granddaughter could make that,” and similar phrases really are discouraging to a creative person. Many people wondered what I would do with an art degree, besides teach or be a graphic designer. And while my artwork is not my primary source of income, it has brought me and others joy.

Artwork, music, theatre does not have to solve the big issues of the world. It can express those emotions, thoughts, and concerns as an outlet or commentary while also being a salve during sufferings or low points.

The point isn’t that a framed poster at Target is $20 while an artist charges $500 for a piece. The point is the journey and learning about yourself, your clients and patrons, and developing a little community of people with similar thoughts. Or who really just enjoy the colors you use.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn what a practical or logical path was. Meaning, just because it makes sense on paper or others tell you it’s a great choice does not mean it is for you.

It began when I opened an Etsy shop and kind of sucked at it. I had a hard time balancing a full time job, a personal life, and a side hustle. Through a series of life events I found myself wishing I had gotten a business degree or had been interested in engineering so I could be making more money or be able to leave work and work. Or even be able to have a hobby without feeling the need to monetize each little bit.

Now, I’m glad I did what I did. It lead to me to where I am today. While I don’t have a lot of followers on social media and I don’t have a mega successful small business where I could quit my day job, I have come to terms with myself and what I want to do.

My success doe snot have to be money based or number of sales made. I am learning to be content with myself and my work but still being able to see when I have not done my best and can work harder.

This may not have been the more practical path or logical outcome or what I should have done. This is still a worthwhile definition of success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.redbubble.com/people/melancholyechos/shop
• Instagram: Www.instgram.com/melancholyechoart
• Facebook: Www.facebook.com/melancholechoart
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-shavers-34517b2a1