Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Kyle.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
My art journey began when my husband became very ill. He has had two lung transplants and a severe heart attack over the past ten years. It’s a significant risk for him to work in a typical work setting, so I stay home and do what I can to offset many things we all encounter daily. Then, one day, I remembered that I have a natural, God-given talent, and after my husband was given another chance at life, I suddenly felt obligated to share it with the rest of the world. So I began to create by painting, cake sculptures, woodworking, and creating children’s toys. It felt like it wasn’t enough, so I decided to share my talents with others who might need inspiration to create for themselves. I started offering social workshops for women to bring their creative sides forward. I’m a do-it-yourself kind of person. I guess you could say it’s like a survival skill or something. But I feel a strong obligation to share what I know with others. So, I recently remodeled one of my rooms in my home into a unique creative space with plenty of room for others to get creative. This is where my creative journey has taken me for the time being.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it’s been tough. What I do or don’t do depends on my husband’s health. My focus remains on him. And when everything is calm, I create. I entered many art competitions along the way and traveled with my art to art festivals and other street venues. It’s a lot of work, setting up and tearing down. My husband has always been by my side in my art journey, but sometimes it’s just too much on him, physically. So, I’ve given up that part of my journey and traded it for where I am now. And when this part no longer works, I’ll take the next road, wherever it leads me.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Art and creativity can be in many different forms. I paint, sculpt, work with wood, and build stuff. So, I don’t think I specialize in any one thing. I like to push the envelope and see exactly what I can do. I used to think it was just one of those things, thinking everyone was the same as me. But as I get to know people, I’ve discovered what I have is a gift. My gift was given to me for a reason. I keep moving forward until I figure out what I’m supposed to do with it. Or maybe that’s the thing I’m not supposed to know. I believe God will let me know when to go and when to stop.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I have social anxiety. But I love being active. It’s weird.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Facebook.com/ginakyleartworks
