Blog – Amy Crews

Like a Tree

A guest blog by Jill Wiggins.

When my father passed away in June of this year the pastor of the baptist church where my dad had sung in the choir and served as deacon asked not where men like my dad had gone, but instead how men like my dad were made.

James Yancey was one of a kind. Raised poor in rural Alabama, my daddy lost his own father when he was only eight. The oldest of his three siblings, he assumed the role of “man of the house,” by raising chickens for eggs, picking cotton, and even hunting rabbits and squirrels.

Although his life consisted of serving his country in the Army, and a career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber company spanning close to forty years, his proudest achievement was his family. He might have worked at Goodyear, but he worked for us, and though I may be close to fifty, I would unashamedly still call myself “Daddy’s girl.”

However, the love my dad showed my three children—the oldest of whom has autism was unparalleled. He either drove my kids to school or picked them up everyday. He would typically arrive at my house each morning with a couple extra pieces of bacon and Diet Mtn Dew, and later that afternoon the parking lot of the middle school with a bag of Moon Pies and Gatorades. He loved big with words and deeds, and his three grandchildren were most often the recipient of a Grand-Father’s love.

My mind feasts on metaphor and symbolism. Maybe that is why I teach English. I look for patterns, themes, motifs in literature and in life. I have a friend who calls these “sacred echos”—sounds that reverberate with a holy significance.

I hear the reverberations of words spoken by the pastor of that baptist church about a strong man—an oak, planted by streams of living water. My mind recalls an ancient proverb I read in one of my dad’s books, describing a wise man who plants shade trees under which he knows well he may never sit. And sometimes, those echoes are given a visual representation—an oak stem with three small acorns, shaded with loving care and symbolic significance by a dear friend.

About the author:

Jill lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband John and three children. She currently teaches middle school English and her Daddy would want you to know she was selected last year as her district’s Teacher of the Year. Her work has been featured on the PCA Women’s enCourage website, and she has been featured on the Storytellers Live Podcast.

Amy and Jill’s dad came up with the acorn sketch together as a gift for Jill after he passed away. You can find a reel (video) titled “Unfinished Business” about it on Amy’s instagram account linked here.

Art Should Be Personal

Most of my work tells a story. Sometimes it’s as simple as something that caught my eye but other times I have the joy of working with someone to commission a one of a kind painting that tells the client’s own story.

This blog is about my special blue and white personalized work inspired by my cousin Becky. Now Becky deserves a blog all her own and that will come in due time. But this blog is about the time she commissioned some gardenias in in a blue in white vase. But while I was working on them I had what I thought would be a clever idea! I had recently seen a photo she shared of her husband (Ted whom I adore) in his sail boat with his faithful dog Scarlet and my nephew Al.

“Wouldn’t it be fun to surprise them with a little twist?” I thought. I used elements from the photo as the design on the vase! It was very hard not to tell her but I kept it a secret. They discovered this special personalization when she first opened the painting I shipped. They loved it!

Instagram has somehow introduced me to so many wonderful people who have become as much a “real life” friend as one can be without having actually met in person yet. Michelle is one of those instagram friends. She has a gift for gardening and loved the piece I had done for Becky so much she wanted a personalized one of her own. She commissioned a painting very similar, but a different size and with her daughters in her garden.

She sent me the photos and we discussed the details together. Then I did a quick sketch of the painting and composition. She chose a 16×20 vertical.

Like the sailboat, this painting will be a surprise for her husband. Tomorrow is their anniversary! (Happy Anniversary!) And there is an unexpected coincidence too. It just so happens her home and this garden is on a very familiar street to me near my high school back home in Atlanta. Now what are the odds? I love how art can make the world seem so small. We discussed this and she knows some of the old classmate’s families that still have roots there.

It is always such an incredible honor to play a small part in helping someone create a meaningful work of art. They are more than just “conversation pieces”. They can provide a brief escape or serve as a way to remember a special person or time in life.

If you’d like to talk about how you can add meaningful pieces to your personal art collection, I’d be happy to discuss it with you! Please email me for more information on commissioning your own.

Do you have a sentimental piece? I’d love to hear about it! Share in the comments below.

A Saturday in the Garden

Have you ever had a red letter day? I’m not even sure that’s the right description, but I am talking about a day that was enjoyable from start to finish? My college roommate and I used to joke about how we wondered if that meant we were soon to die. As if God would gift us with one last heart-overflowing kind of day. Well, last Saturday was a day like that! Part of what made it so special was traveling to The Hydrangea Festival.

The Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival & Garden Tours is an annual event held in Douglasville, GA. Also known as “The Hydrangea Capital of the South.” When we arrived we were given a wrist band and a brochure that included a map of private gardens open to visitors. The map also included stops where we could see local artists, food vendors, an art show at the museum, a juried flower show and plant sale. I must admit, we did not make it to all of these stops. But we were delighted by the places and friendly faces we did see.

Someone who has been following me on instagram told me about this event and I’m so glad she did! It was only about a 2 hour drive from our home and made for the perfect day trip. We stopped at the infamous Buccee’s on I-20 for some picnic items and found plenty of parking when we arrived at Douglas County High School. Most of the stops were within walking distance from there.

There was a point in one garden where we tracked down the sweetest scent and found it was this magnolia tree pictured above. Another favorite bloom of mine. So there was more than hydrangeas to see. Much more!

I loved this front porch dressed to the nines complete with a silver tea service. Do you think they’d invite us to dinner if I made a dish or gave them a painting? I’m only kidding. (Well sort of!)

I was enamored with the vignettes we came across, inviting porches and tables set about outdoors that were ready for a garden party to break out. One garden in particular we were told was a “must see” and it belongs to Susanne Hudson, one of the event’s Co-Founders. She is an interior & exterior designer and there was so much to take in. I could have stayed at her house all day! She made it look so winsome and effortless but of course it took incredible talent. We left inspired and challenged to do better in our own back yard.

At our last stop we were greeted by this sign and given a walking stick. The homeowners and their daughter were delightful to visit with and more than happy to share their knowledge. Their long driveway wove through hills with paths to explore. They handed out a colorful map and offered bottled water to their guests. Plants and trees had signs to introduce themselves. While we were there, we ran into the very person who told me about this event! We had not met in person but she recognized me and had seen my name on the sign in sheet at the top of the drive.

The weather was perfect. The hosts most hospitable. It was really good for the soul to get outside and exchange greetings with passers by! On our way home we stopped in Heflin at Marie’s Barbecue where we picked up a cold pound of chopped pork, Brunswick stew and creme horns that take me back to my childhood. If you are ever on I-20 between Birmingham and Atlanta, I highly recommend a stop there. We love to get it cold and have it for dinner when we get to our destination.

I have more photos and painting inspiration for days! You can see a little video I made of our adventure on instagram here. Mark your calendars for next year’s Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival & Garden Tours! Maybe we too will get to say hello in a garden.

For more on the festival, visit their website here. Or follow them on social media for updates.

Matchbox Covers DIY

This past Christmas, I was packaging my sisters gifts when the idea came to me. I was giving them a cute little cabin that “smoked” out the chimney with scents of winter. Sure, no batteries were required, but matches would be! And wouldn’t it be fun to personalize the matchboxes with DIY covers and bundle them with their gifts?

Last year I purchased a scanner for the studio. I use it for professional scanning of artwork and I realized I could scan so much more. I grabbed one of our families beloved dishes and scanned the chintz pattern. (I adore a pretty chintz! I think growing up with these dishes is why.)

I then opened the scanned image in PhotoShop and cropped out bits and pieces, then used that to create a repeat pattern design. I then printed this pattern on standard sheets of 8.5×11 paper, one page for each matchbox.

I purchased large matchboxes at the grocery store and I used a thin double stick tape I had on hand from a drafting store. I measured the width and length I would need to cover the box, leaving one striking strip visible on the matchbox, and cut to fit.

Note: You can find plain white matchboxes online like these from amazon (affiliate link). And you can find other “how to” or DIY instructions for matchbox covers, some even have templates. But I tend to figure it on my own as I did here.

I tied a holiday color ribbon around the box to add a finishing touch and, as they say, “Wah-lah!” I did also pick this dish pattern because it has traditional Christmas colors in it as well.

If you’d like to see the adorable smoking cabin you can find it here on the Camp Wandawega website. I love their gift shop! It is such a fun eclectic mix of nostalgia and vintage and their photos are beautiful! I’d love to visit there some day.

Hope this little tutorial was helpful! Let me know if you have any additional tips or have created your own in the comments below.

Praying on the Run

Have you ever thought things were going along great only to suddenly discover that they’re not? After months of training, my husband Matt had entered his first duathlon. Participants were to run 2 miles, bike about 25, then run 6.2 miles. This was a personal challenge. He had never run that far before, except once or twice in preparation. Little did he know.

Imagine Matt, exhausted but excited because his race watch lets him know he’s almost finished. Victory is just around the bend! But then he passes this guy cheering on the sidelines who’s waving and yells “You got this! Only 2 more miles! Hang in there!!” Matt yells back at him, ”WHAT?! I thought this was 6 miles already!” And the guy replies, “They measured the course wrong! You got 2 more miles!” Seriously? Someone literally moved the finish line and now he has to dig even deeper to finish! He’s not even sure he can run two more miles. He prayed he could make it.

Sometimes we feel like Matt did that day. We have done the best we can and are growing weary. We think the struggle’s end is near, be it something personal or global, only to discover the finish line is nowhere in sight. We could sure use a cheerleader on the sideline.

There is a good ending to Matt’s story. He finished and ran what turned out to be 8 miles in that last leg. Two miles further than he ever ran before! He placed first in his age group, won a coveted “brick” and had his picture taken on the podium. (Doesn’t matter that there were only 2 runners in his age group, right?) The point was, he finished the race. Thanks to perseverance and prayer. And an unexpected encourager who showed up.

So now imagine me on the sideline here to cheer you on. Maybe your finish line has been moved. But I know you got this! I know you’re tired but you can do it. I believe in you!

Ghosts in the Garden

We never met, yet we feel very welcome in their home. Although we used to joke that it was their ghosts that would ring our doorbell at the most unusual times. True story! And in case you are wondering, we checked and no one was ever around so we know it wasn’t a prankster. It did become a little-bit eerie. But that was so long ago now that I can’t even remember how we fixed that problem. We’ve lived in our “first home” for over 20 years now. And there has only been one other family living here before us.

The Richardsons passed away before we bought this house. But there were clues that told us a lot about them. For example the multiple house projects and inventions that would make even “Tim the tool man” proud. A collapsable toilet paper roll holder. A spinning wheel of jars that held every nut and bolt imaginable mounted on the wall. A sink in the garage with an retro solo cup dispenser and a round vintage mirror that hangs from a chain above it. This sink is where my paintbrushes are washed now. My studio expands the bulk of the unfinished basement. What makes it unique is the multi-colored speckled 1960’s tile floor. It too spans the entire basement and even lies under the parked cars in the garage. It serves as a reminder that the Richardsons’ once hosted square dances here! The dance group name was “The Gems”. That clue was found spelled out above a tall mirror outside a little changing room alcove.

But I want to share a very special clue with you. They appear in our front yard at the corner of our house annually just outside the dining room window. To be honest, I always forget about them until they magically appear. This year there were so many more blooming than in years past! It was like they were just begging for my attention! So after my annual remembering of Mrs. Richardson, complete with wonder about where she got them and if they were a gift, I carried my favorite vase outside on a mission to bring some inside.

I shared the photos on social media and really enjoyed the comments. Someone said they have never seen that color or species before. Someone else called them “magic lilies” and the name has stuck with me. To think they were here so long before we moved in! That’s over 20 years of life in a yard with little to no attention! I feel certain Mrs. Richardson had no idea how long these magic lilies would survive or who they may bless when she planted them. Or maybe it was handy-man Mr. Richardson who planted them for her to enjoy?! I like to make up stories.

It was inevitable that this would be the year I would paint them. I have painted them twice now. Each time brought with it those familiar thoughts about the Richardsons while I studied the details and mixed colors to match. Now that I think about it, I realize I’m passing along the Richardsons’ legacy and extending the life of the lilies even further! The floral baton has been passed.

Do you have ghosts in your garden? Do you take clippings from sentimental places for your garden? I’d love to hear in the comments below! If painting didn’t take so much of my time, I like to imagine I would have a beautiful garden. Perhaps I already do! It’s just happens to be on canvas.

(One of the paintings featured here is still available in the shop. See it here.)

I Found Treasure

I have had an instant camera floating around my studio for years. It was in my mom’s car when she passed away and who knows how long she had it in there. I finally remembered to drop it off at the drugstore to get the pictures developed. Would it still be salvageable? What was on it? Whatever it was, it would be a small glimpse into her heart.

Things in her day to day that captured her attention enough that she wanted to savor and remember it. She was not a photographer. Her gifts were gardening, writing, story telling, sprinkling joy, spreading mischief, setting a beautiful table, praying for anyone who asked and making friends with total strangers. (To name just a few!) When I picked up the photos you can be sure I could hardly wait to open the envelope. Remember those days? When we had to wait for film to be developed before we could see how our pictures looked? So what had she “captured”?

It was Easter from over ten years ago with the film’s color a little distorted. Her daughters and their families. Her grands. A lot of candids, which is what she preferred because those were “real” life. I’m sure she didn’t warn anyone she was going to snap their photo and it shows. They were all from her perspective of course. My sister working in her kitchen. The kids standing behind their chairs waiting to be seated for lunch. The in laws visiting with one another. There were a few posed group family photos outside per tradition. Thankfully she was in some of those herself. And there was also an accidental shot or two…the roof of her car and what may be the inside of her Sunday purse. But that was of no mind to her. Because she was looking for treasure. And she found it.

Tell Me a Story

My mornings typically begin with a hot cup of coffee, a review of plans for the day, and inevitably a scroll through Instagram. One morning last week I came across a link on Sharon McMahon’s account (also affectionately known as “Sharon Says So,” a self proclaimed “Governerd”) that took me to a video two friends made the night before. It was Mosheh Oinounou and Todd Bowers. I did not know when I started watching how much it would bless me.

Todd poured himself a glass of bourbon and, while his dogs kept watch and took naps behind him, he began to share. Todd Bowers served twelve years in the Marine Corps, completing two tours in Iraq, one in Afghanistan, and one in South America. Before being honorably discharged, he received many awards including a Purple Heart. So he definitely had some thoughts on recent events regarding the war in Afghanistan. I don’t have any active military in my family to learn from or ask questions, so I was very interested to hear some of his stories and his perspective!

A few drinks later and when my coffee was cold, I felt an even greater appreciation for this veteran and the thousands of others who have served our country. Watching him sip his drink, I couldn’t help but be reminded of my bourbon print, “Neat” and wondered if perhaps he might like one. The thought of “buying a veteran a drink” to show my appreciation this clever way made me smile! So I reached out to him to thank him and asked if I could send him one. But the next day, the surprise was on me when I received a shop notice that Todd had purchased the print! My immediate instinct was to send him a refund of course until I read the kindest reply he had emailed. He said, in so many words, that appreciated us listening to his stories and how it really helps him too. But he appreciated the offer.

One take-away for me in this interview came towards the end, when Todd shared his thoughts on what we can say when we meet veterans instead of “Thank you for your service.” He said he’d much prefer when someone learns he’s a veteran that they say, “Hey, I’d love to hear some of your stories.” He said that being able to connect with a vet around their experience is the best way to support them.

Along with his permission, Mosheh gave me a link to their conversation so I could share it here with you. It’s about an hour long so when you have time, enjoy a cup of coffee or your drink of choice, and give it a listen. Linked here.

I’m thankful for Mosheh and Sharon who share things like this. The “social” part of social media certainly has its benefits! (I highly recommend giving them a follow!)

And two organizations Todd endorses in the interview are linked here:

If you too want to “buy a drink” for a vet (or for yourself), you can find this small batch art print, “Neat”, in my shop. Here’s the link.

Spring Is Coming!

Great news! My new Spring Art Print Collection is now available! Every change of season brings with it a little feeling of excitement. Nature puts on a show and it is one of the most reliable things we experience in our lives. Each season has its unique beauty, but something about Spring feels more hopeful to me than the others. And after a pandemic year and all that has come with it, we need Spring more than ever.

Ironically, my latest series of prints was born in a time of quarantine while longing for Spring and eager to get out of the house. From my bedroom window I can see the tops of my neighbors trees. I like to imagine I’m in a treehouse with a bird’s eye view. When the weather allows it, I crack the windows open and enjoy the fresh air, and with it, a chorus of birds.

As happens during quarantine, I became a little stir crazy and thought I may bust if I didn’t create SOMETHING. So I set up a little TV tray table under the said window and got out my little box of watercolor supplies. Thinking of Spring, I sketched my usual nest and then moved on to birds and a lamb. It is fun to capture my work on video and put it to music. The response to those has been great! Be sure to visit my instagram page if you haven’t seen them. Here is a link.

The originals sold quickly and were shipped near and far. I am amazed at how instagram makes the world seem smaller and I am thankful for the community it has brought together. I am touched by those who, like me, find hope in Spring and find my work to be an encouragement. A reminder that seasons change and the Creator makes all things new and beautiful!

So what’s next?

No more quarantine. Hooray! The Harding Art Show is just two months away so it’s time for me to focus on paintings for that. Today the prints from the bedroom are now available on my website. I love the wren. Their eggs are beautiful and they had a band around them at the widest point. Which one is your favorite? Is there a bird you don’t see that you wish I would paint? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Visit the shop to see this new collection here.

Magnolia Stories & Paintings

She calls me Darlin’ yet we’ve never met in person. Her witty emails sound like letters from home to me so I always love to see her name in my inbox. It should come as no surprise then that her latest email brought me to tears yesterday. Last night, I handed off my laptop to Matt before I headed back to bed and told him, “I think you should read this.” A few moments later, he appeared in our bedroom and I could tell he too was choked up. We love seeing the photos that accompany her writing. It’s with Brooxie’s permission I’m sharing this with you below. Thank you Brooxie. I don’t know how you found me, but I think I know who sent you!

Inspired by my Precious-Pastor-Son-in-Law and his ONE WORD series, my word for this year is Presence…. to be present in all situations, to feel God’s presence, to know the presence of those who influenced my past. Which brings me to this incredible painting, and it’s darling Birmingham artist, Amy Crews (no relation, but don’t I wish!).

Last year my word was green – the verdant, abundant, life-giving color present everywhere here in my new home state of Mississippi. So, I painted my kitchen green, but there was a wall that needed a “presence”. Then, at some point through the year, this incredible piece of art caught my eye – green! a magnolia! I couldn’t quit thinking about it, and looking at it on Amy’s website. On Amy’s website, the painting was entitled, “Back Home”. Amy also said, “I began painting magnolias in honor of the strong women who raised me.” Finally, in November, I returned to Oklahoma to conduct a training …. and I contracted COVID. For 4 weeks while I isolated, I looked at and longed for this painting.

It was a life force – reminding me of God’s presence through illness, through nature, and of the strong presence of the women in my past: my grandmother, Mollie Marie, and her sister Jessie, who came from Indiana to Tennessee in a covered wagon, my great-great Aunt Ainnie and my great grandmother Huffman who ran a dairy farm during the Depression, my paternal grandmother, Susie, who sent 4 out her 5 sons to fight in WWII, my own Mother who suffered hardship as a girl only to go on to Mississippi University for Women and graduate from Memphis State as the first college graduate of her family.

It also reminded me of my life-long love of the Magnolia tree. There was always a giant magnolia tree in my presence – a huge one in our yard that a family of six could live under, floating magnolia blossoms in the spring, magnolia branches on the mantle at Christmas, a porcelain ceramic one my mother made, needlepoint cushions in antique chairs, the list goes on. So I contacted this dear girl and told her of my lifelong connection with magnolias and purchased the painting. It’s presence does not disappoint. Everyday I am reminded of the powerful presence of my God, nature and the presence of the strong women who went before me. I am truly “Back Home”.