The Crooked Path

In this first post, I want to introduce myself and share the journey that led me to where I am today. Though my path may have been roundabout, each experience was a stepping stone that has shaped my present and empowered me.

A year after March of 2020, I was faced with the heartbreaking reality of closing my studio salon—deemed non-essential by the state. What initially felt like a brief respite quickly transformed into months of uncertainty, leaving me in a dire situation. As we slowly returned to normalcy, many clients were hesitant to resume their hair services for various reasons. I witnessed them growing out their color, cutting their own hair, or simply letting it grow wild. Despite enduring expenses, my income dwindled, leading to the difficult decision to close my doors in the spring of 2021.

Retirement was supposed to be a time of fun, filled with all the activities I had dreamed of pursuing when I had the time. However, I quickly found myself feeling cold and bored by January 2022. In search of inspiration, I ordered a mandala dot painting kit, and what started as a simple hobby turned into a full-blown passion. The joy of dotting everything in sight was both fun and soothing, so much so that I even needed a cortisone shot for “dotter’s wrist”!

Then, a fellow artist sparked an incredible idea: painting record albums. This creative venture turned into a captivating experience where I not only painted but also soaked in the essence of the music inspiring me. Each album was like a canvas of nostalgia and emotion, with colors drawn from the labels and covers. I dedicate around 8-10 hours to paint each piece, then sealing and framing the album to perfection. Every piece of art I create is unique—painted freehand, with no stencils or templates.

What warms my heart the most are the stories behind each piece. I've had the pleasure of hearing tales like that of a man who purchased an Alice Cooper album as a surprise for his girlfriend, defying their vow of no birthday gifts to bring it all the way to Germany. There are wedding gifts that capture the essence of couples’ first dance songs, and numerous other heartfelt stories that have made my art feel adopted into loving forever homes.

If you had told me on March 13, 2020, that I'd be on this artistic journey, I would have laughed. Yet here I am, an artist whose path transformed from shutdown to inspiration. Every twist and turn led me to this fulfilling creative life—where every stroke of paint tells a story. This is how the crooked path became a series of steps, and when looking back, it appears as a straight-line journey.

If you’re looking for a unique, thoughtful gift or a special treat for yourself, I invite you to explore my custom order process or browse through The Gallery for completed works. Join me in this adventure, and let’s create something beautiful together.

Enjoy the Journey,

Cheryl