Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Druist.
Hi Sheila, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always been a creative person, but I decided to pursue art as a career in 2019. I had tried multiple other jobs, but none of them felt like my calling. I was created to be an artist, and I was determined to pursue my art. I started college around the same time with the goal of becoming an art therapist. This would combine my love for art, and my interest in mental health. Over the last 7 years I have been through a lot, both in my personal life and in my business, but I’m still here and my business continues to grow. I am more determined than ever to continue chasing my dream of becoming a full-time artist. I have a little shed that my family fixed up for me to have my studio in. It has been so helpful to have my own dedicated space and I look forward to thriving more and more in the coming years.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an artist requires grit. It takes patience and faith to continue chasing the dream. One challenge I face while trying to maintain my business is my own mental health. It has taken a lot of discipline and determination to push through the low times and continue painting. Art is my life. It is where I find joy and it has helped me through the most difficult seasons of my life thus far. Another challenge I face as an artist is the ebb and flow of income. Sometimes, I am all booked out with custom orders, other months, I have very little income. This can be stressful, so I am working on finding other ways to earn money as an artist such as YouTube, art prints, and paint parties. This should help me have more consistent income so that my business can blossom and flourish.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a multidisciplinary artist. My primary focus is acrylic painting, but I also do gel printing, photography, linocut, oil painting, and sculpture. I paint a variety of subjects including florals, pet portraits, human portraits, landscapes, abstract, and still life. My artwork is known for its vibrant color and positive energy. Recently, one of my collectors thanked me for bringing beauty into their life. They told me that since they have begun collecting my artwork, they are much more aware of the beauty that surrounds them in life. It’s as if they more grounded, more observant, more in-tune with beauty. That made me so happy to hear. I love to inspire hope and joy through my work, and it is always encouraging to hear how my artwork impacts people.
I am proud of my tenacity. Despite all the odds stacked against me, I continue boldly painting my heart out and trusting that it will all work out in the end.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Baltimore is the aquarium. My family visited it when I was young, and I’d love to go back as an adult to gather inspiration for my artwork.
I live in the beautiful countryside of Spring Run, PA. I love the beauty of nature that surrounds me every day, including the flowers that my mom raises in her garden and the deer that I see occasionally from my studio windows. I am surrounded by beauty and inspiration every day. I am blessed.
Pricing:
- Custom artwork starts at $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wildflowerwhisperstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildflower_whispers_studio/
- Facebook: wildflower_whispers_studio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wildflower_whispers_studio
