My Story

As a child I was intrigued to watch my father at the kitchen table doing pen-&-ink calligraphy writing. How could he sweep his pen across the paper and make such beautiful letters? He had started as an art teacher. Then, after serving in the Army, was able to use his love of art to help people. He worked at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Sepulveda, CA as Rehabilitation Coordinator, where he oversaw the art program, used as therapy for returning war veterans. They offered classes in wood shop, ceramics shop, craft making, painting, and drawing, which all helped to soothe and heal many a wounded spirit. When he retired he turned our garage into a workshop where he crafted sterling silver-&-turquoise jewelry, and taught jewelry making classes . My mother also contributed to this creative atmosphere, through prayer, playing her piano, arranging flowers, and enjoying oil painting. Both graced our home. Thank you mom and dad.

Through their example my love of art and ballet blossomed. Many years were spent in art and ballet classes. In college I felt encouraged, winning First Place for an oil painting entered into California’s International Order of Job’s Daughter’s annual art contest. I graduated from California State University, Northridge with a BA in Art, and a K-9 Elementary School Teaching Credential. My work experience has included teaching ballet; teaching art to kindergartners; coordinating art history materials for college classes; doing pen-&-ink illustrations for several books; and plein air watercolor painting which evolved into greeting cards. All creative and joyful. May we each express God's art and soul, within and without, on our journey through life. . . . . . . . . Deborah James

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