I don't know whether I'm new to the Art World, or have just returned to it

Growing up, art was my passion -- my outlet, my expression, my release.

My art instructor assumed I'd go on to Art School. But the "starvingartist" venue didn't appeal to me. So I bought into the 90's philosophy and headed off to college as a pre-med student. I was going to be a pathologistwith a specialty in forensics. But my heart wasn't in it. And, believe me,you have to devote your whole being to make it through Med School. Then I tried a business career...but my heart wasn't in that either.

Finally I had to admit that my heart... my whole being... was in Art.

My "baby" was a black Persian cat named Chazz who I lost. I lost and missed desperately. So, initially, "my outlet, my expression, my

release" was to paint -- first Chazz -- then other cats and then dogs. Although my animal paintings were well-received (several were commissioned for a country music celebrity), I'm now moving on to other topics. Where I'll go from here, I really don't know. But it will be fun to find out.

Oh, and as for the "starving artist" venue: I was lucky enough to find love in an awesome man, who not only supports me financially but, more importantly, supports me emotionally, artistically and spiritually. With his inspiration and the Lord's, I am eager to see where Art will take me.

Life is good. God Bless.

Jennifer L. Cooksey