art, art, o where have you gone

ART.... one word that defined so many years of my  life has now become but a longing. It seems so far from who I am now and what I am doing not because I don't love it anymore but because it has proven so hard to stay engaged in that part of me. The lack of time, space, affordable supplies, and connection to my job in ministry has made it tough. I've really only done 2 childrens paintings, 2 partial full size paintings and one watercolor since being here. I have spent many long evenings since being here in Florence sitting at the gelato cafe by my house working on drawings. These have become my sole staple and connection to what was once an all consuming passion. I miss it so much and it feels like a part of me is missing or dying. I believe that it's a gift the Lord has given me and it's amazing to create beauty but I feel sad that it's not being utilized. I need ideas and help on trying to figure out how to put it back into my life and also how to use it in ministry. Any suggestions would be a huge help. So send em' my way asap. I feel like a majority of the people around me aren't inclined in this area and that can make me feel alone in this like people don't fully understand how it's a part of me ok not just a part but it's who I am, how God made me and without it being expressed I feel in many ways un-whole. I throw around the idea of going back to school but really I don't want the whole assignment, critique,etc. side of it but rather just to make art and use it to engage people in the Gospel with their spiritual/creative side. My current goal is to figure out and carve out time to make art in whatever sense that may be. Below are just a couple of the drawings I've done in Florence.