We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Wendy Means. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Wendy below.

Wendy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

The biggest unexpected problem I faced was physical, and at times mental, limitations and roadblocks. I let those things set me back decades at one point but I’m getting back on track

I started off going to a fine arts school at 17, but quickly realized I didn’t feel challenged enough intellectually. I changed my field at 19 to what is today known as “digital media.” I had steady work in my field, but was involved in a car accident at 20, that changed everything drastically and immediately. It became very painful to work but I was told things would get better, so I kept plowing through.

Things never got better. In fact they kept getting worse. By age 27 I had to apply for disability. I was not able to even do a sit-down job. My hands had a difficult time doing what I willed them too. At 31 I finally found out it was largely because I had Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, along with some other co-morbidities.

At 47 and now a mother, I was taking some singing gigs here and there to try and make ends meet but needed more income. I went to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation for help getting back into school or work, but they felt I wasn’t physically able to without surgery. I felt the one thing left I could do from home, on my body’s own schedule, that I already had some experience with, was go back to fine art.

It was difficult and painful, but I kept at it. My brain and hands still did not want to work together, and there was frustration and tears. I kept going. A year later I had surgery on my neck. The surgeon was not able to reverse the nerve damage in my hands, but improved it some. I’ll take it! I’m still plugging away today, still making art, still trying to train my brain and hands to work together better. I see progress!

Wendy, 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?

In an effort to make my art accessable to more people I sell prints and merchandise with my art online at a much lower price point than my originals. I’m also available to do commissions.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me what is most rewarding about being an artist is what it does for my mental and emotional health. It gives me a sense of purpose and value. It allows me to express things I can’t find the words for. It lets me connect with others and draws others to me. It stands as a reminder of what I’ve come through and the way I came through it.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Honestly, one of my main drivers right now is my son. I’m not a big believer in, “Do as I say, not as I do.” It’s clear he’s watching what I do and that I’m an example to him. He has the same syndrome I have, and I can see him wanting to give up on things sometimes because of it. He’s about to start his adult life and I have to keep showing him you that you don’t give up, you adapt and find a way.

Contact Info:

• Website: wendevious.com
• Instagram: @wendeviousarts
• Facebook: /wendeviousarts

Image Credits
Toni Smailagíc Wendy Means Toni Smailagíc Wendy Means Wendy Means Wendy Means Wendy Means