Surfboard Art: "I Love Your Heart" Painting

I have been practicing art since my dad taught me at our kitchen table. Finally, in 2013 I reached out for my dream and seized it. I had several tramatic experiences as a child and used art to work through my pain. Once I got the pain out through art, I said I would share my art when I could express joy instead of pain. Today I create with a spirit from the inside out. It is very personal and very real. Perseverance for freedom of pain can be expressed through art and is part of my story. I love the ocean, the movement of the water, the waves coming together...it is all a communication, a relationship and a connectedness. I have now been in over 150 art shows, and multiple times have been awarded featured artist, best of show and highest bid of donated items - but my biggest accomplishments are in the words of my collectors. Tracy wrote: "Carolyn, two months before my wedding, my foot and ankle were caught under a car tire and crushed. For the last 3 weeks I have only been able to stay on our couch, unable to be mobile. The only joy I have is when I wake up each morning and open my eyes to the beautiful ocean art you made for us. It soothes my soul. Thank You." Susan wrote: "Carolyn, when I met you at the art show I was chasing after my 4 year old as he tried to find a Mickey Mouse poster he saw while we were driving. When I got to your booth I stopped awe struck. I told my friend to be with my son...I had to be here. I picked out 4 of your art pieces. Little did you know that I had just relocated - trying to make a new home for myself and son after my husband died suddenly at age 34. Your art has made "My house a home"". Michelle and Brooks wrote: "We survived the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Since that time it has been our lifes purpose to not forget ANY of the 15,899 deaths the occurred that day. When we got our condo we dedicated it to those lives. When we saw your surfboard "Shine Like the Sun" with the multiple waves and rays of the shining sun - we knew it had to be part of our home - it couldn't be more perfect." I have spent years developing two specific techniques that identify my artwork. I don't go into a description of the details since they are unique to me. I can tell you that people are constantly in awe of the color depth and the unique textural effects. Additionally, I have created 134 pieces from Recycled Surfboards - taken out from potential landfill.