Today we’d like to introduce you to HopeEllen Turner.
HopeEllen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Art has always been a constant thread throughout my life. Growing up, my mom was extremely creative. I am one of seven children and my mom was notoriously known for her hallmark “igloo” lunch boxes she painted for all my siblings and I. She was also phenomenal at science project display boards as well. Looking back now I think it was an outlet of creativity for my mom in a world of chaos, raising seven children. Fast forward to 2020 and I believe I sought refuge in creativity as well when I began painting more consistently during the pandemic. I was a full time ICU nurse at the time and the world seemed to be caving in on me. I began painting as a therapeutic outlet away from the hospital. Since then I’ve had 2 children and spend most of my time mommying, but during naptime I sneak away to my studio/guest bedroom/gym/playroom to scratch my creative itch.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest struggle is learning how to balance being a mom while also catering to my business. I have had to make peace with the fact that my art business is only a part of my life. I have such a desire to pour all of my heart in it right now, but I know my children are growing so fast. I always tell myself that my art will keep but my children won’t. I’ve had to start looking at my art like a garden, which is ironic, considering most of my paintings are florals. But I view my art as a garden that I water daily. I will not reap instant success on a daily basis, but I will be working towards a larger goal in the future.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Within the last year, I lost a dear friend, Carly Douglas, to stage four gastric cancer. I remember when I found out about her diagnosis my instant reaction was, “There’s got to be something we can do!” The first thing I thought to do was to paint my friend a picture. It started out as just an individual painting made specifically for Carly in hopes that it would be a daily reminder of how strong she was. As I was painting it came to me that I could make this painting into a print and sell it, giving 100% of the proceeds to my friend. We all know that cancer not only sucks the life out of you, but it also sucks the life out of your bank account. Between trips to visit specialists, proposed experimental trails and treatments, the hospital bills add up. If I could help carry even a small portion of the financial load I hoped it would provide relief for both Carly and her family to be able to spend as much time together as possible. To date I have sold over 600 prints and raised $12,000+ for my friend. Packaging up these prints and seeing the parts of the world they are going to gives me so much hope.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love to work with clients on commissions. Reach out via email (hopeellenturnerart@gmail.com) or direct message me on instagram (@hopeellenturnerart)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hopeellenturnerart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeellenturnerart?igsh=MWYycHNiaGI4dHZ5eA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
