It's the first Monday of the month which means an Artist Spotlight, so let's go.
...She's one of those strikingly beautiful people-inside and out. And once you meet her, you just want to spend more and more time with her.
She's amazing.
We've both known Cambria for over 5 years now and are in awe of her many artistic talents. And while we could go on and on about her, we'll let Cambria and her art speak for itself.
Prepare your hearts, people.
In her own words:
People have always told me I was creative. And for years, I didn't believe it.
There was a fear inside of me of creating, because to create is to connect: with
God, with others, with myself. And under the scrutiny of others, creating makes
you vulnerable. More times than I like to recall I put my heart and soul into a
piece of art, writing, or music, and it was received with painful criticism, or
worse... indifference.
For a long time I decided I was not a creative person, and I ran away from all
expression. I hid behind my talented friends and pointed to them, showing off
their work, oohing and ahhing at their masterpieces. Secretly, I compared my
creations to theirs and said I could never be THAT talented. I was crippled with
fear of failure, and refused to pick up a pencil or paintbrush.
A few years ago I had a spiritual awakening. I found God. Really, he found me.
With that, I was blessed with an incredible community of friends and mutual
followers of Jesus. They, like Him, spoke life to me, and into me. By the grace of
God I found out who I was meant to be...one who creates, in the image of The
Creator. In that season I found liberation from fear and comparison, I found
myself picking up my pen, placing it on paper, and letting expression flow out of
me.
I was blown away when people around me pointed and oohed and ahhed at my
work. Over and over I had people telling me that everything I touch becomes
beautiful, that I capture beauty, that I was made to create. I found out that my
name can be translated to mean "full of expression and life."
Looking back, I am thankful that as I came to know my Creator, that is where
creating was birthed out of me. Creating has a different purpose now. It is not a
meaningless expression of random thoughts, emotions, and memories. It comes
from me, at my weakest and strongest moments. It bares my createdness as I
find myself in my Creator.
I believe creating is a key aspect of what it is to be human.
To express oneself is to demonstrate that we are made in the image of the One
who created all.
And in case you didn't know, Cams is the source of our well-known logo. She painted us this wee painting for our wedding...
And the rest as you know is history.
You can follow Cambria's everyday adventures here and follow her on instagram @camiamiambria
Thanks for all the beauty to you bring to the world and to all who know you Cambria.
If you'd like to be featured as an Artist (or have a nomination!) please email us at jonolaynie@gmail.com
xo.