Windee's Art Journey
My art journey began at age 16, during a time of unexpected change. I found out I was pregnant while still a junior in high school. Determined to graduate early, I pushed forward with purpose. I enrolled in college art classes in watercolor and drawing and found myself falling in love with the creative process. With support from my school counselor, I was placed in additional art classes that allowed me to explore and nurture this newfound passing while completing my junior year.
At age 17, on Halloween night, I become a mother to an incredible baby girl who filled my world with love and light. Together, we explored the magic of art – drawing, painting, mosaics, clay and collage. Our obsession with art supplies was endless, and creating became a shared joy.
As time went on, by age 22 life became fuller and busier with the arrival of my two sons. Art slowly slipped into the background while I focused on raising my growing family. But at age 37, a spark reignited, daughter off to college, one son joined the marines, my youngest age15 busy being a teenager, I carved out a small corner in our home for art, bought myself two canvases, some brushes, and paint. I completed my first painting and nervously showed it to my husband. His support was unwavering – he proudly hung it in our living room. That encouragement fueled me for years.
For the next 5 to 8 years, I created pieces for family, often mimicking what they requested. I hadn’t yet tapped into my own artistic imagination, but the joy of creating remained.
Fast forward another decade: our kids had grown, and the house was quiet. My husband and I relocated to Arizona to be closer to my mother. There, we started a small side business making polymer clay jewelry, selling our pieces at local art events. As friends an neighbors saw my artwork, commissions became coming in. I was honored to be accepted as a juried artist in two local fine art guilds.
Our art group gatherings were held at the Milan Art Institute in Queen Creek Arizona. I had the chance to meet Elli Milan in person, owner of the art school, to walk through the school. And to witness creativity buzzing throughout the space. I told myself, One day I’ll be a student here.
In April 2024, my world shifted again – this time in heartbreak. My father Jack passed away just 10 days after we learned he has brain cancer. His loss left an overwhelming absence in my life. I was lost in my grief, unsure how to move forward. After my brother and I settled his estate, I began to hear his voice in my heart – gentle but clear: I’m here to help you move forward in your art. You need to enroll in the Milan Mastery Program.
Those stayed with me. They felt guidance, purpose, and love all at once. In August 2024 at the age if 56, I did it – I enrolled in the Milan Master Program. That decision changed everything.
Today, I find myself creating art that is truly mine. My work is full vibrant colors, whimsical energy, and abstract joy – each piece a reflection of my journey and spirit. Art has become not just something I do, but who I am.
I feel so blessed to have rediscovered my voice and passion, and to share it with the world. Creating art fills me with joy, and I hope that joy touches every person who experiences it. This journey is far from over – and every canvas is a new chapter.
