Thanks so much for putting this site together. 
It's so great to meet so many other inspiring people.
I began painting when I was 18. I was at work and paralyzed my left hand. Fortunately the injury wasn't permanent. but while in the hospital I had this realization that I needed to translate the stage and film goals I'd been working tirelessly on onto canvas. So it all began with a couple of pieces of charcoal, paper and some YES album covers - remember those? I wanted to paint like Roger Dean - so with my left hand elevated above my heart, I worked endlessly trying to figure it out. It was a real pleasure.
In the mid 90's I was showing my work regularly - almost every month and started getting write ups in magazines. - Well, I was studying and applying all the advice I could - but as fate would have it, my parents became ill, starting with my mom. And my husband went to work at a high tech start up (meaning 24/7). So I spent my time with my kids and my parents - trying to hold on one day at a time (as I recall).
About a year and a half ago I re-committed myself to working full time in painting. I'm trying to figure out if it's bad timing - with this recession stuff - but on the other hand, there are a lot of countries in the world. And my friends and neighbors don't really buy artwork like - say - institutions do. Last time there was a recession and the art businesses were all freaked out - it was the last time I was getting into the market. Interior designers easily understand how much less expensive paintings are than construction. You can coach them into selling your work that way.
I'm writing a blog at http://barbaraferrier.blogspot.com which I'm keeping up to date. Any comments are appreciated. Blogs are one of those things where it's hard to figure out which info. to put out there.
Barbara
