If you walked into my studio right now, you might wonder if I’d switched careers from painter to holiday elf. Oyster shells are spread out on tables, little wings are waiting to be attached, and there’s enough ribbon to tie a bow around the Lowcountry. Somewhere under all of that, there are also canvases, greeting card mock-ups, and at least three brushes stuck together with paint that was supposed to be “quickly rinsed out.

”In short, it’s a season of joyful chaos.

This fall has been full of exciting things: new gallery opportunities, showing work at the Sea Pines art market, and gearing up for the Bluffton Seafood Festival (where I promise to show up without paint in my hair… maybe). And on top of that, I’ve been diving into holiday prep — creating angel ornaments from local oyster shells and designing art cards for holiday markets.

The only problem? Most of it is still in progress. Paintings are half-finished, ornaments are mid-wing, and my to-do list keeps reproducing like Spanish moss in summer. It’s a little like being a short-order cook in a bustling kitchen: “Coming right up, one marsh sunrise with a side of oyster angels — hold the glitter!!”

But here’s the thing I keep reminding myself: the messy middle is part of the creative process. Every painting I’ve ever finished has gone through that awkward stage where nothing looks right and I’m tempted to throw it in the closet. (Some actually did spend a little time in the closet.) The same is true for ornaments, cards, and even festival prep. What feels like chaos now is really just the underpainting for what’s to come.

So if you see me at an upcoming market or festival, you’ll get the polished version: finished paintings, carefully packaged cards, and angel ornaments that won’t shed glitter on your shoes. Just don’t peek behind the curtain — back in the studio, it’s still organized chaos, and honestly, that’s probably where the best stories (and art) are born.

Some people keep journals. I paint mine—one brushstroke at a time.

Where to Find Me (Without Tripping Over Ornaments):

 • 🎨 Artisans Alley Art Market at Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island — Oct. 2 & Nov. 6, 4–7 PM

• 🎨 Live Painting Demo at Beaufort Art Association — Oct. 17

 • 🎨 Bluffton Seafood Festival — Oct. 18, on the porch at SOBA Gallery

 • 🎨 Featured Artist at SOBA Gallery — Oct. 26, 11–3 PM