What was your life as an artist like before becoming a member of the Artist Mentoring Program? What was your biggest roadblock? Unfocused, sporadic, insecure and unmotivated. I let EVERYTHING be a road block for me: time, lack of inspiration, fear of rejection, even spending money on supplies!

What prompted you to become a part of the Artist Mentoring Program? Specifically, what were you looking for? I had been challenged by my dying Mother to pursue my art, followed quickly by a friend who wrote a book about living a fearless life in Christ. About a week after I read the book and decided to pursue my art without fear - an ad for the Artist Mentoring Program came up on my Facebook page and I signed up for the trial week. After a couple of days I signed up for the program because I was so impressed with the resources and it was a perfect fit for me.

What was your life as an artist like before becoming a member of the Artist Mentoring Program? What was your biggest roadblock?
I struggle with a lack of confidence as an artist and as a person in general.
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What prompted you to become a part of the Artist Mentoring Program? Specifically, what were you looking for?
I was looking for a bridge, a pathway from being an occasional paid artist to becoming one who truly was living an Artist’s life, using my work to connect to others and connect those people to the heart of God. I also wanted so much to really make art my business.

Since becoming a member, how has your life changed? How have you experienced breakthrough?
Before discovering Matt Tommey and the Created to Thrive group, I was creating here and there and truly lived in a state of discouragement and a deep lack of confidence. I not only experienced this in the area of being a creative, but it bled into other areas of my life as well. Or, now that I think of it, it may have been the other way around. When I read Unlocking the Heart of the Artist, I felt comforted that someone really knew where I was in my journey and the roadblocks I was experiencing. I then began to discover through Creativity According to the Kingdom, there was an amazing connection and influence that Creatives have and this began my seeking the Fathers heart in a new way. When I became a member of Created to Thrive, the Lord really began a work towards becoming a joy filled artist, the one He created me to be. Now, I approach my studio time, like quiet creative time with The Father. I’m able to boldly explore and accept grace to fail and my confidence has increased in how I put my work out there. The Created to Thrive Mentoring group has changed my approach to my art and to my life.

What's been your biggest "Aha Moment" that was a real gamechanger for you while in the program?
The biggest Aha moment for me was when I was standing in the shell of my , in process, studio space realizing that my husband I are ,together, investing in me as an artist. That i am a thriving artist even though I may have a low income or no income week. Money and acceptance wasn’t the defining thing that made me a Thriving Artist anymore. It was more about the source of inspiration and provision. That studio build was the game changer.

What would you say to encourage other artists who are currently in the Artist Mentoring Program along their journey? To artists considering becoming members?
I would say that the journey is worth it. I am discovering that the process is so rich and we are always, in some way, in the process. I think of this every time I finish a piece. When it’s done, it’s just done and it’s for someone to enjoy. Someone will purchase this piece and there’s value in that, but what I received in the process of collaborating with the Great Creator while creating it is truly priceless. These are the experiences that propel me forward and change me forever. The learning and growing in skill and communion with the Lord is the best journey and others benefit from what’s learned here as well because that informs the next piece I create. This group, Matt as leader and the other creatives here, all the insights and sharing is all part of the journey. Matt shares wisdom and experience that has catapulted me through things that would’ve had me stuck. I’m so grateful.

What's on your horizon? What are you dreaming of and moving toward in this next season?
I’ve learned to say no to good things in order to make room for the great. I have a vision for my website and I’m in the process of creating 20 original pieces for a store opening in a few months. I’m also designing interiors and will be having my first home gallery show this Summer. The connections and relationships in recent days have me dreaming with the Lord and seeing big doors open.

Connect with Tina on Instagram @tinalawvercreativellc and FB TinaLawverCreativeLLC

​What was your life as an artist like before becoming a member of the Artist Mentoring Program? What was your biggest roadblock?
I'd been "breaking through", winning awards, selling my large paintings for over $1000. Six mos. before joining the Matt's mentoring group, I dropped it all to be a caregiver, prayer warrior, & patient advocate for my husband to survive a life threatening health challenge. As he began to mend, I was personally bankrupt. I joined this mentoring group and was healed physically immediately. I felt & SAW myself in the flow of the river of God that is this creative mentoring ministry.

What prompted you to become a part of the Artist Mentoring Program? Specifically, what were you looking for? 
I was thirsty for life and was drawn to drink of the living water here. Also, I was excited to think I could make an income from painting.

Since becoming a member, how has your life changed? How have you experienced breakthrough? 

Before joining, my painting and my life were very introverted, insulated, and safe. I used to be very quiet and shy. Now? I've found my voice! I'm a work in progress, but I'm much more outgoing, scheduling and organizing art events as a board member of a large art organization, sometimes writing, and my artwork is bolder & morphing. I thought I joined the program to learn how to make my art into a business. I bumped hard into Him, as He is interested in my heart, not my bank balance.

What's been your biggest "Aha Moment" that was a real gamechanger for you while in the program?
The 2017 GOA event was the game changer for me. I went scared and timid but emerged confident, joyful, more determined, and free! My husband attended, also, and was totally restored physically, emotionally, and spiritually to better health than his pre-health challenge status! Praise be to God!!!

What would you say to encourage other artists who are currently in the Artist Mentoring Program along their journey? To artists considering becoming members?
Matt is called to mentor and help artists grow into God's purposes for us. Each artist is responsible for his/her forward progress, with the freedom to set one's own pace according to His purposes. Most beneficial is the focus on creating art from the heart, the heart increasingly attuned to the source of creativity, our Creator God. Matt's ministry is one of God's big keys in this season for the release of heaven into the earth-realm through the arts.

What's on your horizon? What are you dreaming of and moving toward in this next season?
I dream of greater release of God's creativity into & through my painting in the next six months. I'm learning better time management so I can be more involved with encouraging others, sharing excitement about painting, and sharing the love and power of Christ's love through it all.

Find out more about Mary and her artwork at ​http://www.maryedwardswatercolors.com/