Working Mom & Artist Deann Designs

Thank you so much! Yes it was. I always knew I wanted to do something with art from the time I was little. Full of artistic entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, my first experience with “making money” was when I made rhinestone earrings (think hot glue), and sold them door to door. I remember the thrill I had of selling something that I actually made with my own hands, and the confidence that came with that elation. Now, I don’t remember what they looked like but I’m sure they were tacky, bless my heart! Nevertheless, a seed was planted. I worked as a graphic designer right out of college, and did art festivals “on the side” for a number of years before deciding to trade in my corporate high heels for paint brushes and boots, and paint full time.

 

I draw inspiration from my beautiful surroundings here in middle Tennessee. I think what’s really important is the story behind the work, and I strive to make a connection with the viewer, whether that evokes a special memory or just makes them smile. Also, I draw inspiration from my faith.

Ahh. I really don’t. I have many many pieces that I’ve painted over the years that I truly love. Now that we are offering prints of my work, the good news is that more than one person can enjoy each piece I create now.

The once abandoned stove factory has served as my creative space for the past decade. I love painting there and fell right at home among the old barnwood walls and cement floors. Right around the time that I was deciding to paint full time, the space at the Factory became available. I jumped at the chance to have a studio where I could paint but also meet people at the same time.

 

I have the best family in the world. I’ve been married to my husband Lance for 15 years! He’s the best. We have 2 beautiful girls. Adeline, 10, and Amelia, 6. We live in an 1890’s farmhouse where we have a hobby farm with backyard chickens including a rooster named Colonel who cock-a-doodle-do’s every morning. There is also a koi pond, a golden retriever, and 2 quarter horses. There’s never a dull moment around here!

I have learned that the only thing I should be doing are the things that no one else can do but me. And that’s creating my work, and being a mom. Everything else can be outsourced. It’s actually a little easier now that they are school aged, and we have settled into a routine. After I drop off the girls at school in the morning, I head to my studio located inside an old stove factory about 5 miles down the road. I’m close by, and I work/paint until it is time to pick them up.

There’s actually never a dull moment, but I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I love what I do for a living! I think it is important that my girls see me working hard to accomplish goals. My hope is that I can set an example for them that they can do absolutely anything they set their minds to do. Hardworking, independent, confident. Words I would use to describe myself. How I want to describe my daughters. Being an entrepreneur artist, I strive to model for my two girls what it means to be a successful, modern woman while remaining grounded in the rural way of life I love.

My favorite part about being a mom is being able to incorporate things I love into my children’s lives. I love taking them in to the studio on the weekends. I let them put on my aprons, use all of my materials, and just be free and let them create. It’s something we can share together, and I hope build a special memory for them.

Oh goodness. This is tough. The early morning hours seem to be the best for me. That’s when I try to have some quiet time to reflect, when the house is still sleeping, and sneak in the 6am yoga class down the street. Yoga helps me to stay centered, it balances out my brain and leaves me feeling refreshed. That, combined with my faith, help me to put in perspective what is important.

I love the quote, “You can do anything, but not everything.” I think this is so so true and hope my girls remember that feeling of accomplishment and carries it with them. Each day I try to instill in both my girls the value of hard work and determination. Every day, they see me working to balance the needs of my work and be present in my studio as well as being fully present with them and seeing to their needs. Horseback riding, ballet, homework, dinner, bathtime, plus creating work and running my studio and all that entails. It’s not easy, but it is my hope that they are watching closely, seeing their mama working hard, achieving success but always making time for what counts.

Two Photos above by Evan Davies Photography