I've been an artist for as long as I can remember. One memory is of my grandmother providing paper and pencil to draw with during church. I think she knew that it would keep me still and quiet. During the summers we would paint watercolors together. On my grandparent's farm there were cars from the 30's and 40's rusting in the fields. I used to imagine where these cars had traveled and they were my inspiration for automotive fine art. My desire to paint landscapes came from watching the sun move across the farmland. My parents encouraged me with art workshops but there was little money for college. After high school I joined the Marines for the tuition. I majored in Arts Administration at Pfeiffer University and my paintings were shown at the Hickory Museum of Art group exhibition in 2006. My art is currently featured on the CNN.com virtual art gallery and I'm a member of CIVA, Christians In the Visual Arts. Painting has allowed me to meet interesting people that I might not have met otherwise. People such as Civil War reenactors wanting portraits to clients wanting murals on their walls. I feel that painting has been a blessing in my life so I thank the Lord for saving me and allowing me to paint. -Stacy Bottoms
