The Creative Side

So, when it comes to that creative side -  I love the simple 'artsy craftsy' projects just as much as the more complex art projects. I love working with my hands and learning a new skill which is what lead me my current business approx. 9 years ago when I started exploring the world of glass painting.  I quickly discovered I was able to take what I was doing with acrylics and canvas and create something fun and truly functional for myself.  This slowly progressed into a small business - Contemporary Complements. My clientele has grown from friends and family to now include the public through a variety of arts shows, retail stores and galleries. My audience is growing, and so are my creations. My goal is for each piece is truly functional for everyday life.

My ultimate dream is to have my own brick and mortar gallery & studio with classroom space.  I want to create and sell my art, sell art created by others and provide a space for others to explore and expand their own creative side through a variety of workshops.  This would bring all of my skills and passions together.

I also love music and movies... I especially love a good 80's mix or watching a good comedy any day!! 

As for books... I don't read a lot but when I do, it usually occurs when I'm in need of a new idea or project or I'm in need of inspiration - which is actually what lead me to this part of my creative process.  I started reading Make Your Creative Dreams Real by SARK and then I picked up 365 - A Daily Creative Journal by Noah Scalin.  After getting into SARK's book and reading the first 25 pages of Noah's book... I determined I needed to do something to get back in touch with the child who started creating with crayons and plain paper and always wanted to be an artist "when I grew up."  I know for a fact I won't be able to keep up with the "make something every day" but I'm using Noah's 365 book as a tool to think outside of my box a bit.  We'll see where it takes me... let the journey begin!!   

The Process Begins...

I've been contemplating and delaying this step for several weeks now because I wasn't sure where to start and there is always this fear when "putting yourself out there" in a new way.  But here I am because I have to start somewhere and we'll just see where it goes from here.


My plan for this blog is to share my creative journey as an artist.  So, as part of that journey I plan on sharing past and present artwork along with some of the stories and processes behind the art.  This may include anything from my painted or etched glassware designs to paintings, sketches, clay work, jewelry projects, photographs, etc...  or it may simply include my inspiration or road blocks for the day.  I hope you will join me on this creative journey.

I'll start by introducing myself... my name is Julie Yeager (as you may have guessed from the blog title) and I'm an artist.  I've always been an artist (since I was old enough to hold a crayon) but it hasn't always been something that I've had a lot of time to focus on due to the "real job".   I took many art and photography classes throughout school and completed my Associate’s Degree in Fine Art from Siena Heights College with photography as my area of focus.  I then changed my area of focus, my mother freaked out, and I attended Bowling Green State University for three years working on my Recreation Programming degree which led me to working for the Girl Scouts for over 20 years where I worked in a variety positions focusing on providing quality camp and program experiences for girls.  In these positions I was able to bring creative programs to thousands of girls in non-traditional learning environments, helping them become well-rounded young women.  These jobs combined my love of the out-of-doors, teaching, the arts and mentoring so perfectly (except for the long hours).   After my position was eliminated 7 months ago,  I found myself coming full circle and realizing my true passion is teaching and creating art - to, with and for others. 


I consider myself creative, caring, sensitive, a bit of an introvert (until I get to know you), and I love having fun and laughing!  I love spending time with friends and family - especially my husband who is the best man I could have found in this world!!  I love being outdoors... there's something about being in nature that creates such freeing experience. When it comes to my photography... much of it is people and nature, two things I really love that feed my energy and creative side.


Ok, so that's a little bit about me. If you want to know more - you know where to find me. :-)  I hope you will join me in this process of exploring a dream and the journey behind the process.