The Fool's Journey

Let’s talk Tarot!

How can the Fool card relate to your creativity? I like to think of the Fool as having a beginner’s mind.

As artists, how can we embody the Fool’s energy? Look at it as an invitation to approach creating with a beginner’s mind.

The Fool doesn’t have life experiences under their belt. Because of that lack of experience, their mind is more open and free. What is there to hold them back?

Embodying the Fool might look like creating for yourself and not fearing what others may think. It’s taking chances and trying new things. It’s like seeing things for the first time and not having outside influences.

Approaching your work with the Fool’s energy might help you feel more creative freedom, and with that comes growth. Experiment! Have fun! Create for YOU!

Sony a7riii | LBSFII | 1/200 | ISO 320

Sony a7riii | LBSFII | 1/200 | ISO 320

Self-portraits taken with my Lensbaby Soft Focus II optic. As a Lensbaby Ambassador, I can offer you a discount on your purchases. Use the code wsharon or click this link to be directed to their website. Comment or email any questions, and I’d be happy to chat!

Artists Supporting Artists

Do you ever feel lost in a sea of other creatives just like you? The
truth is, it’s all been said, done, and created before, but not by you in
your unique voice and in your authentic way that only you can do. We should
feel comfortable in creating and sharing the art and images that call to our souls!
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I wholeheartedly believe in artists supporting artists. I want to thank each and every one of you for your support. It truly means so much to me. I am in awe of the people who take the time to leave comments, DM me, and email me. It never goes unnoticed or unappreciated.
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What are some ways you’d like to see artists supporting artists? The more we share with each other, the better.

Breaking Through Blocks: Choosing to Move Forward in the Face of Fear

Feral. Wild. Untamed.

I’m just over here trying to break through blocks and create new paths.

Change is on the horizon, and with change comes fear. If I’ve learned anything from this artistic process, it’s that if you’re not scared, you haven’t even begun to scratch the surface. You’re not going deep enough.

Chose to take a step forward each day and make it in the opposite direction of the comparison train. Measurable actions come in all different sizes, but as long as you’re pushing yourself and moving forward, you’re headed in the right direction.

Feel the fear.

Sit with it.

Let it pass through you.

And then take action.

This is me making my move forward and working through my fear. Has something been holding you back? Let’s support each other and discuss in the comments below!

Trial and Error with Self Portraiture

A little background story- I’ve been having my son film and edit some behind the scenes videos for me that I’ll be using in some upcoming materials I’m creating. Remember when I said I’m a shy introvert? Well being in a video = awkward!
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For those that don’t know, I use a dress form that happens to have a couple of wigs and a bear mask on it to take my place in a self-portrait so that I can grab my focus and set up my shot. 🐻 I’ll include a shot of it to give you a better idea. Just scroll to see.
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So as he began to film me, the head of the dress form with both wigs and the bear mask popped off and fell to the ground. As this was happening I bent over to save it when all of a sudden the entire dress form decided to fall and clobber me in the head/face. 😳😖🤣
So after much intense laughter exchanged between the two of us I was able to complete the self portraits all the while extremely happy that it was done and over with and having my fingers crossed that he got enough footage.
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He didn’t.
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So this self-portrait was from attempt #2, which went much smoother, where I tried to be much more present in the moment. 😅
I just wanted to share that it’s not all fairytales and magic. There’s a lot of trial and error, a lot of mishaps, but the process and experience is what it’s all about for me.
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What’s your favorite part? Where do you lose yourself and learn the most? Is it in the editing? Sharing? The actual shoot or the preparation before hand? Share in the comments below and earn bonus points for sharing a mishap 😂

My dress form that I use to grab my focus. Works like a charm.

What Lights You Up?

Teaching has been a part of my life since I was 17 years old.

I started teaching piano lessons to children when I was straight out of high school. It was such a fun and rewarding time.

When I had my son at 22 I remember some of the parents would ask me to bring him to the lessons so they could hold him and play with him.

Shortly after my daughter arrived I set piano lessons aside and picked up a camera. I quickly developed a passion to learn more and be a photographer.

It took me YEARS to say aloud that I was a photographer. Piano teacher was all I knew. Who was I to call myself a photographer yet alone an artist?!
Now, my teaching continues. I made my dream come true and I teach at The Define School.

But here’s the thing....those children that I taught piano lessons to? They taught me just as much.

The women who have taken my Expressive Self Portraiture class? They have taught me just as much.

Not only that, but they have touched my heart and left an impact on me that’s almost indescribable.

Teaching lights me up. What lights you up?

Self-Care

In September 2017 I decided to make a commitment to myself. Up until then I poured my heart and soul into my photography.

Leading up to this past year I felt I needed to create almost as much as I needed air, but then I felt a shift.

Even though I have dedicated so much time to art, I felt like I wasn’t giving myself everything I needed to thrive.

I made a commitment to myself. I wasn’t going to allow guilt to creep in, as we all know it tries to so hard.

I began a daily yoga practice, meditation, journaling, and reading as much I can. I blocked off time in my mornings and hoped the people in my life would understand.

I’m not going to lie. Change scares people! It was an adjustment. It was also one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Do you set aside time for you? For the things you love? The things that call to your soul?

I wholeheartedly believe that you will be so much closer to the best version of you if you allow time for yourself.

Guilt free time.

What is it that your heart longs to do that you put off because there just doesn’t seem to be enough time?

When you invest in yourself, not only do you benefit from it, but the people around you and in your life do as well.

Click Magazine

I was never one to set goals for myself, but over the last few years I have made a point to make a list of goals that I wish to accomplish with my photography. While I have crossed off many each year, there was one that I always transferred over to the new year, never giving up hope and determination. I'm beyond thrilled to share with you that I have a feature in the May/June 2018 issue of Click Magazine! If you don't already subscribe, you can find the newest issue in your local Barnes and Noble store. I want to thank all of you who have reached out to me over the last 2 weeks to tell me you saw the feature. That kindness never goes unappreciated. Thank you all so much for support!

See Me Without Judgment

Ethereal - Paris, France

Love is Blind will be making its way to Paris this year for ImageNation by DeFactory's Ethereal exhibition! Wait until you see the list of artists from around the world who will be in this group exhibition! You can learn about it HERE and I'll share more details as it gets closer!

Vibrations of Nature

I've always felt more connected in nature; connected to my true self, my surroundings, everything living and breathing. My senses are especially heightened, and I am more attuned to what is happening all around me; from the birds singing, the wind rustling through the trees, the crunch of the leaves under the deer hooves, to the distinct, damp smell of fall. There is music to be heard if you just take the time to listen. Every living and breathing thing has a voice in its own unique way, and this is mine.

All That is She

She does not let anyone tell her who she is. She claimed who she was and is, unapologetically, long ago. She will not be contained. Her strength and spirit cannot be restrained. She knows exactly what makes her come alive, and she does just that. You can try to knock her down, but she will rise up again, and again, and she will be more determined and wiser each time. She is both gentle and fierce, and to know her is to know true love. Our hearts are bound, and our love boundless. 

If I Could Tell Her | Self Portraits

Heightened Senses | Self Portraits

Child's Play

Unmasked

What Lies Beneath | Self Portrait

Lensbaby Composer Pro with Edge 80 Optic

Hollow | Self Portraits