My name is Mary, and this is my story…
For as long as I can remember, there was a loud and persistent voice in my head. “Create, create, CREATE,” she urged. Usually, when I sat down to try and appease her, I blanked and gave up. That changed in 2020.
On March 3 of that year, a deadly tornado ripped through Nashville, where I had been living for almost 10 years. A week later, a global pandemic shut down the world. In the months of isolation, solitude, and self-reflection that followed, I learned that alcohol was both amping up my anxiety and keeping me from expressing myself fully. It was great at enabling the perfectionist and harsh critic in me who stifled my creativity. I decided to kick the drinking habit on May 6. After a visit to the farmer’s market one bright, late summer day, I tried doodling flowers and discovered a secret talent. From that point to this one, I’ve spent almost every spare minute dreaming up and making my next drawing or painting. In the process, I’ve gained a new perspective, incredible clarity, a life-giving hobby, and am redefining what it means to be "a lush." Through Evelyn Rose, I’m gratefully living my most vibrant life. I see beauty and bright color everywhere and try my best to share it whenever, however possible.
About Evelyn Rose
Evelyn Rose Studio is named after my loving, playful, generous, charming, and sweet grandmother who spoiled me with paper doll books and was the best Tiddlywinks player I knew. She helped shape me into the woman I am today, and I owe much of my creative, lighthearted spirit to her.