Conversations with Erma Jean Woodis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erma Jean Woodis.

Hi Erma Jean, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a child, I loved anything creative I could learn to do with my hands. I was encouraged in most endeavors, but not in “art” I often hear others say “I can’t draw a stick figure” and I would like to encourage them to consider that there was a day when they did not know how to make their letters or write their name. All of us had to learn to make an “A” look different from a “B or C”. Learning how to draw is very similar and uses these shapes as a basis for custom designs. I find that we get good at whatever we choose to give our time and effort to practicing. My goal is to teach people who think they’re not artist that they can learn, and stop believing self-defeating ideas of “I can’t”. I enjoy showing people how creative they can be. Creativity in any form takes us to a place within where healing takes place, so have fun learning and experimenting. My serious learning began with a home study course from Art Instruction Inc. and I loved learning about all the different forms of art, but advertising layout did not bring me joy. I began taking lessons from artist who did the kind of art I like to learn. I was married, had two children, and a career in the dental lab while I took workshops and classes every chance I got. I practiced a lot, painting hundreds of paintings and selling them, as a way to keep my sanity through life events of failed marriages, moving, losses, and therapy. I am now a full time artist doing murals, custom work of all kinds, in all sizes, including landscape and portraits. I have won many ribbons, but my art is not about competition, it is about making each piece I do better than the last one. I like using the new things I learn to bring joy in others lives as students or clients who have an idea that I can bring to reality for them.
I am privileged to be one of the teachers for a vibrant new center for the arts here in Castle Rock, Co. “triartsproject.org”. there are many creative options to choose from to aid your own journey of discovery. Enjoy a life of creativity. You CAN do it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road for me as “life” has given me many detours. I have chosen to reach out for help to heal from three failed marriages, several major losses, and reevaluating my core beliefs. In a dream i was inspired to camouflage the word “LOVE” in each painting I create as a way to honor God for the ability and inspiration for each piece of art I make. I have done this for the last 20 years and I notice that it is fun for people to try to find it. My home and studio were flooded up to the door knobs destroying a lot of supplies and prints of my art. Friends helped to clean up the mess and encourage me to start over. I have moved several times requiring me to make new friends in a new place and let them know I love to paint.
I have had surgeries to replace my knees and a hip, and have recovered from a stroke. It takes commitment to therapy exercise to regain my mobility. These quiet times of recovery have given me time to reevaluate my priorities in life. Helping others to have HOPE during hard times and encourage continued learning in all areas of life is my mission.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have worked in many mediums and once hated Acrylic paint, but now it has become my favorite. Acrylic is what I use on large murals and paintings because it can be used like watercolor with thin washes or built up with thick textures and dries quickly and is archival. I still work in other mediums when a client askes for somethin specific or I need a particular effect. I choose oil paint for portraits. I have worked with interior designers as well as clients. I enjoy abstract as well as realism and love the challenge of combining the two. I am known for camouflaging the word “LOVE” in all my work, and people enjoy the “hunting” to find it. Landscapes are my joy and passion and I enjoy expressing details that many people miss and painting outdoors. Portraits are the most challenging to capture the details exactly for the likeness and personality to be expressed accurately. In Ft, Myers Florida, I am known for painting a large 360 degree mural depicting the Everglades and giving a peaceful, safe way to see the habitat that lives there. I am pleased it brings joy to so many people as they enjoy their lunch or dinner.
I painted Jesus in the center of a canvas with vignettes of His life surrounding Him that have impacted me in my own life. It was intimidating to paint Jesus because I don’t know what He looks like, and I have not had a vision, but I am glad I did it.
I have been told that I invite people to investigate a journey into art or a spiritual encounter with their Higher Power, but that I am not pushy. I believe that we all “choose” our own responses to life and move at our own pace when we are ready; pushing does not help us on our journey. Encouragement does help.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a shy rule follower and people pleaser. I stayed out of trouble when I followed the rule that children are to be seen and not heard. Questions were irritating to the adults in my life and I was expected to just do what I was told. My life did not turn out the way I was told it would. I have lived in Ankara, Turkey and Tehran, Iran and several states in America. I was a hair dresser for a couple years, did a 23 year career in a dental lab, taught dance, as well as art lessons. I have been married and divorced three times and have two wonderful adult children that I am close to and enjoy, three grand children and four great grand children. I have done a lot of changing and now I know I have a voice and an opinion and use it. I have a great compassion for others, have many friends, and am active in the art world here and attend church. I am glad I am free to feel, express, and do what I think is mine to do. I love my new understanding of who God is and what He isn’t. I am continually learning with wonderful study groups and have a great support group in my weekly Al-Anon meetings. I enjoy interaction with people on an authentic basis. I also still love the outdoors and like to do plein air painting. (painting on site with no photography) I like to see my students get excited about learning. I enjoy my life, it is full of adventures, I am curious about what my future holds.

Pricing:

• $60.00 per. hour

Contact Info:

• Other: artbyermajean@gmail.com