Case Study #5: Mary Edwards

​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/

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