Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Cronin-Webb.
Hi Erin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Since I was old enough to hold crayons, I have been drawn to creative arts in one form or another. I originally pursued theatre arts entering college as a theatre major in 1959. A college marriage, motherhood and divorce propelled me towards teaching as a necessary step to survival. But, in my spare time I was creating…sewing my own clothes, making dolls to sell at Street Fairs in NYC. through the years and many career transitions….piping designer in engineering, customer service, training manager, education trainer, I always kept busy with some form of creativity. My second husband pointed out that it really wasn’t necessary for me to work a full time job and that I really should focus on painting. That was over forty years ago! Today, at 84, I find that creating art and being active in the arts community holds the key to remaining young at heart! I exhibit in two different galleries, I have written a book on creating art with pastels, “Soft Pastel, The Ultimate Workshop” I I teach workshops. I also became involved in breeding and training German Shepherds for obedience competitions. I have realized, as a senior citizen, that part of the aging process is dealing with loss…we lose friends, family members, loved ones. We lose some energy, a bit of mobility and, of course, our youthful glow. BUT I tenaciously hold on to the one thing that, absolutely, gets better with age….my art. I wake up every day excited to get into my studio and make beauty!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say, very honestly, that I never really believed I was facing hardships! Even as a single mother I viewed everything as an adventure. I always had enough faith that I had the strength and ingenuity to deal with whatever life threw at me. Just an eternal optimist, I guess!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I think my art completely reflects my personal philosophy! Life is meant to be lived, enjoyed, filled with magic, beauty and amazing experiences…even when it is hard…focus on the good. I make art that is, very simply, designed to make people feel good! I want people to feel that my work brings some joy into their home. I will leave angry, statement art up to younger artists who want to change the world….I try to make the world we have more beautiful.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I moved to Greenville nearly twenty years ago. I have lived in 13 states as a result of having worked in engineering. I grew up in NYC, which was a great place to be young! But, at 84 the physical and gentle beauty of Greenville definitely reflects my personal sense of joy! The light, the colors of the flowering trees, the gentle pace provides a perfect environment to produce art. It also has everything culturally you could want on a smaller, manageable scale. Where many cities drain you of energy…Greenville is restorative!
Pricing:
- 125 to 1500$
Contact Info:
- Website: https://erin-cronin-webb.pixels.com
