How Etsy Artist Bernee Lee Coped with Chronic Fatigue

How Etsy Artist Bernee Lee Coped with Chronic Fatigue

Bernee Lee stopped being creative for a big chunk of her life and it really ended up taking a toll on her health. In the year 2000, at the age of thirty, Bernee realized something was wrong, but it wasn’t until 2004, with the help of several doctors, counselors and coaches that she was able to finally pinpoint her illness as Chronic Fatigue. For ten years Bernee had worked without a break as a counselor and ignored her creative side. Prior to being a counselor Bernee had been a graphic designer, but she switched careers because she loved to work with people. In the process she developed Chronic Fatigue, an illness that caused her to feel constantly tired and overwhelmed to the point where she eventually couldn’t communicate at all. Her boss blamed it on Bernee turning thirty, but Bernee knew it was something else because age wasn’t an issue for her. Bernee ended up taking a year’s leave of absence, and in doing so rediscovered her true love for design. She was unable to work for anyone else during this time, so instead she took a class in graphic design, to brush up on her skills. It was only when Bernee found herself in a room surrounded by lots of creative people that she finally realized where she truly fit in. She started attending gallery openings and art shows all over again and she stopped feeling tired. Bernee feels most happy when she designs, it is her fuel and it’s what she is wired for.

Currently Bernee works as a self-employed design consultant, a challenge that allows her to put her real creativity to work. This has also given her the opportunity to paint once again and pursue her life long dream of designing a line of stationery. Bernee now sells handmade journals and stationery online, combining her counseling talents with her design skills. Each journal comes with a life goal sheet - this sheet allows a person to set goals, track their progress and create a wish list based on seven to eight areas of life such as family, fun and finance. The idea is based on a personal journal Bernee created while she was sick and this journal is what really helps her live a balanced life.

In the year 2007 Bernee joined Etsy (the largest online marketplace for artists and crafters) and opened her shop www.byleedesign.etsy.com Bernee believes Etsy has been invaluable in helping her develop and sell her stationary line; it gave her an avenue to present her design work, meet lots of creative people, and join groups such as the San Francisco Etsy Team and EcoEtsy. She learned about local art and craft shows from this group and recently sold her artwork at her very first art show, where she shared a booth and learned the ropes from a fellow Etsy artist.

Bernee mainly sells her work through small, independent boutiques but she has plans to take her journal idea and stationary line wholesale on a larger scale so that more people can benefit from it. In the meantime Bernee is working on her business plan as well as conversing with many entrepreneurs about the cash flow and logistical requirements of printing stationery products in the tens of thousands.

It has taken Bernee thirty-three years to acknowledge that she is by nature a creator, and in doing so she shows us all that it’s possible to live a balance life and acknowledge our true nature. Bernee is busy making a living, living her dream and helping others along the way - thanks Bernee for inspiring us all!

New Digital Ad

This was just created for me by the lovely Maree on Etsy

Etsy Artist Recovers from Brain Surgery

Thirty-six year old Tara Morrison is able to live each day doing what she loves best: sewing, knitting, crocheting and making clothes. Previously, Tara worked for others and had no time to focus on her own creative projects, she was too busy making a living. Then in 2001 at the age of twenty-nine, a severe case of the sniffles led to brain surgery causing a massive two and a half hour seizure seven days later that nearly turned her into a vegetable. Before the surgery, Tara never had to depend on anyone for anything, fiercely independent and self supporting she often worked up to three jobs at a time from the age of thirteen but now she may only get two good days out of seven, accomplishing in a week what others can do in a day. Tara is determined to contribute to society, to the household income and to somehow make a difference.

Tara has been creative since childhood; potting, sculpting, batiking, and then sewing out of necessity after reaching the height of 6’1”as a teenager; it was either sew her own clothes or wear men’s jeans to school. She gave away most of her sewing creations to friends and family, even going so far as to make a wedding dress free of charge for a friend in need. Tara was employed for a year after her surgery but this soon became completely impossible. “Different people adapt in different ways,” she tells me and for the first seven years after her surgery feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and depression overwhelmed her; she felt she had nothing to give, she couldn’t work and she couldn’t have kids. Over the last couple of years, with the support of her parents and her boyfriend she turned her hobby into a business and Stonehenge Designs was born. She chose the name “Stonehenge” because it fit her design aesthetic; she likes earthy colors, Wiccan patterns, fantasy elements and natural materials such as hemp, stone beads and bamboo. She works in many mediums from soft goods created using industrial machines to her favorite kind of work; intricate, detailed, costume designs.

Because of the surgery Tara had to re-learn all her old skills and her first wedding dress commission was a nightmare, she had to rip up seams over and over again because she couldn’t remember how things worked…how to put in a zipper. Learning to do something the second time is “a lot faster,” she tells me and “sometimes sewers get lazy” when they repeat themselves so this time Tara, no longer a sewer’s snob, taught herself the way she always wanted to, the old fashioned way, and she has improved upon her garment, fabric and pattern construction skills in the process.

Tara joined Etsy in March, 2008 and spent three months learning how to be an online seller; a huge learning curve made more difficult by short term memory loss, dyslexia and her difficulty with words; articulating them, losing them, and superimposing them. Etsy gave Tara the opportunity to do what she likes best and share it with others without requiring a huge commitment like owning a brick and mortar store. Now Tara feels complete joy when she looks at one of her online Etsy pages knowing she did it herself and, in fact, she has had so many requests for custom clothes that she hardly has any time to post new, fun work on Etsy.

It is ironic that undergoing brain surgery gave Tara Morrison the opportunity to discover that she could make a big contribution to society. Tara volunteers at the acute brain surgery recovery center, is saving up to pay for a vacation for herself and her fiancé, has more work than she knows what to do with, and is planning to get off disability so that she no longer has to rely upon the Canadian government to pay her way, so it comes as no surprise that the nurses at the hospital want to vote Tara Most Positive Spokesperson for Brain Surgery. Tara’s life is filled with emotions she can finally express and she is determined to be financially independent once again, but this time she will be doing it her own way, creating work she loves, and making a difference every day.

Tara Morrison - http://stonehengeclothing.etsy.com

Interview with Etsy Artist - Jessica Durocher

I discovered Jessica Durocher online while conducting a search for artists who had coped with illness by making art and craft. Jess had just graduated in February of 2008 with a degree in Fine Arts from Nicholls State University in Thibodeaux, Louisiana. Our conversation mainly revolved around her senior year exhibition show held just two weeks after undergoing her third surgery for endometriosis; an incurable female disease that can cause infertility. It is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body causing a great deal of pelvic pain. In dealing with this illness over the past five years Jess has learned that fertility can mean many things and in the process has transformed herself into an artist of depth and integrity, a feminist, a team player, and a community arts organizer.

Jess’ final site-specific exhibition was based entirely upon her illness. She explored how a frivolous gal, who enjoys “nice shoes and a cute handbag” is transformed into a deeper person after “everything goes wrong.” She created ten figures; nine of which were incomplete and consisted of various female body parts that morphed and changed into the tenth and final figure, “one very large great goddess…holding together little pieces… abstract, voluptuous and womanly, yet conservative.” “She was fabulous,” Jess’ studio mate gushes in the background. Jess also created 200 smaller orbs “depicting different things that happen inside my body” after seeing ‘disgusting pictures’ of her disease in anatomy books that just had to be made into pieces of art. Jess wanted people to think for themselves so she placed her artist’s statement at the end of her show so as not to impose her personal opinions upon the audience.

Jess started out studying business in college. One year into the program, she ‘randomly’ switched into fine arts, a decision that would, in time, make perfect sense. Jess’ main medium is ceramics; she recalls how her initial annoyance at having to study ceramics soon turned into her guiding passion. She considered her early work frivolous compared to some of the more profound work being created by her fellow students, but all that changed when, at age twenty-three, Jess developed endometriosis and was in so much pain she “couldn’t leave the house.” She spent many hours in her studio searching for hope and answers, trying to find a way to get her mind off her illness and the possibility that she might never give birth.

Jess was inspired by a drawing professor who taught her to “embrace what you can do,” the work of visiting artist Virginia Scotchie, “a phenomenal spirit,” and The Dinner Party, an art installation by Post Modernist, Judy Chicago. Jess’ research into fertility goddesses was her greatest source of guidance; because “sometimes,” she explained to me in her soft Southern drawl, “you just need a woman hangin’ round.” Jess was determined to create “something bigger and better.” She was going to make a celebration out of her illness rather than focusing on the negative.

Jess also works part time for the local Houma Regional Arts Council where she is “driven to bring contemporary arts into the forefront of the community.” Sometimes she is lonely so she shares her studio space with two friends who are also ceramic students. College had provided her with a great support system, kind of like a huge family. She has plans to start up a non-profit artist’s co-operative to help unify the many artists in her area, and is working on a line of marketable work as well as a new series relating to fairy tales.

In the process of becoming an artist Jessica Durocher has continued to grow and broaden her vision. What began as a personal artistic journey into a private illness has broadened to include the transformation of an entire community.

Jessica Durocher
jessocher.etsy.com
jessocher.blogspot.com

Written by Kathryn V. Crabbe
Copyright 2008

DAY 1 - 13 THE NEW 30 DAY CHALLENGE - No. 2

The Latest and Greatest 30 Day Challenge began on July 29th!

Big, Hairy, Scary Dream Vision Challenge No.2:

1. Compile a book based on my Leftys
2. Write a column based on my Leftys
3. Freelance design/illustration work




***NO READING ANYTHING but emails this month!!
I am relying upon my dreams, my Leftys, select wise friends and my stones/crystals for guidance instead.

Coyote Thoughts:

Last night the coyote
woke me as if to say:
I exist, here in
this darkness, this
vastness, this back woods;
untamed, uncaptured,
uneaten; i am wild,
i am free, i am proud,
i am you.

Day 1 to 13 so far:

- started writing my weekly "Tuesday is for Tarot" online column for Just Be Connected
- meditating, writing, asking for guidance and dreaming with my Lefty Deck (and my trusty moonstone)
- 4 a.m. writing
- now offering Lefty Oracle Card Readings on Etsy - 25 readings completed to date! LOVING IT and a great response so far with some lovely Lefty greeting card sales too!!
- am working on a Lefty Oracle Deck/Book Gift Set (moonstone included!)
- nightly crystal/stone workings; they are teaching, I'm listening

**This New No. 2 Dream Challenge was supposed to be a secret but I can't keep my big mouth shut any longer!

Introducing "Tuesday is for Tarot " - A Lefty Advice Column

For the last five days I have been busy giving online Lefty Tarot (Oracle) Readings (twenty-six to date!) on Etsy - an online marketplace for artists and crafters. It has been an intensely rewarding experience; allowing me to be of service and collect tons of feedback! The first day I gave eight readings and was exhausted until I remembered that it is vitally important to ground the energy, connect with the divine and circulate it through all your chakras before and after each reading.

This Tuesday posting will also be featured on JustBeConnected - a creative blogging community.

Today's Tarot Question is: Why aren't you following your divine path?

Sadie - Secret Frog Frolicker's Advice:

- The frogs whisper secrets only Sadie can hear
- So perk up Big Ears
- Cut out all noise, all distractions but Essence
- Play light, play now, play frog









REAL LIFE LEFTY WANNABE SPEAKS UP:
Anne (www.ALark.etsy.com) Creator of this Secret Garden Necklace" explains:

"When I broke my wrist I had to do everything with my right hand. It was really frustrating, but I definitely got better at it. I did take a class one time where the instructor had us write a dialog with both of our hands. It was like your dominant hand was a character, and your non dominant hand was a character. It was meant to help you tap in to your creative source. I was pretty amazed at some of the stuff I had written, almost like tapping into an unused portion of the brain in a way.I'm glad I have my left hand back now. I really missed it!I love being a lefty!!"

Experiment with left hand drawing - try drawing yourself as a Secret Frog Frolicker then ask your drawing for some Advice and keep me posted so I can feature you next!

Lefty Tarot

The Lefty Tarot Card Deck features The Leftys; guides, mentors and friends drawn entirely with Kathy's non-dominant left hand. The Leftys offer fresh insight and friendly, substantial advice with a twist; kinda like having the perfect friend around just when you need 'em the most.

The results of your personal Lefty Tarot Card reading will be emailed to you within 24 hours and a hand signed Lefty greeting card with matching parchment colored envelope especially picked just for you will also be mailed to your home.

Order your Lefty Tarot Card Reading HERE -

SAMPLE READING:

Hi ...,
The card I pulled for you is called "Pepys."

My First Impressions:

- feisty, foodsy, lusty, taurus-like, mixed with some impatience and a sluggish nature - this may be someone you know - tread lightly, tiptoe around this person - sidestep the situation so you can stay on track; light, happy and slim as a bird

Pepys' Advice:

- Pepys is an odd bird indeed; funky, experimental, Aquarian and unusual
- she is sharin' the peace and the love; the 60's was an important time for your kind of spirit even if you weren't around to partake in it
- stay scholarly and wise, you will age well
- men may be a dalliance for you but as long as you are feelin' good and staying on track then great!
- keep up the good work, you're a kewl chick!

Customer Comments:

"The reading was amazing. I need to sit with it for a little while, and think." - Wende

"wow... what a great card. and the Ali advice is RIGHT ON...
I really enjoyed mine a lot! i love the playful energy of the card i got, mixed with a substantial message. that is a good blend." - Melanie

"The reading was great!" - Laura

MY METAPHYSICAL BACKGROUND AND INTENT:

For the past 30 years I have found guidance through the intuitive realms and along the way have had many wonderful teachers:

Astrology: Steven Forrest, Patty Davidson
Celtic Shamanism: Misha Maheo
Channelling/Toning: Krista Kirkwood
Herbalism: Susun Weed
Meditation: Sri Chinmoy trained teacher - OM
Mediumship & Psychometry: Adam Higgs
Psychic Readings and Tarot: Lauren Michaels
Reiki Level 1 – Jenny “Star” Wright
Stone/Chakra/Sound Healing: Terri Darby
Katrina Raphael's Crystal Academy, Level 1 Certification: Coral Karnaze
Therapeutic Touch: Joyce Fournier RN
Yoga: Amanollah Ghahraman, Atma Kalsa



WHO ARE THE LEFTYS?

The Leftys are not just simple watercolor line drawings, they are mentors, guides and best friends.

I drew the Leftys with my non dominant hand because my right hand got bored one day and lost it’s sense of humor.

I like being in the Lefty world; it is gentle, sweet, slow and strange. I felt awkward at first but over time I adjusted; although my writing never did!

The Lefties have led me into some pretty amazing adventures over the years such as:

- creating a zine with 17 issues plus subscribers
- being onstage with Michelle Shocked who introduced me by singing my fave song "When I grow up"
- giving psychic readings with my one-of-a-kind deck of Lefty Tarot Cards
- being included in several museum shows
- being in many library zine collections
- winning first prize in a cartoon contest
- cartooning in magazines, books and newspapers
- being a regular paid cartoonist for Kiss Machine
- creating a writer’s group, a book, many Lefty chapbooks and giving poetry readings
- took Polaroids called Lefty Poseurs of many people including the Palm Springs Red Hat Gals who posed on the beach in Laguna wearing purple outfits, red hats and feather boas
- squawking their way into Will Ferrell's art collection