It is my pleasure to introduce Gerda Collins of Gerdas Garden as our Wednesday Featured Artist.

     The process of creating a painting is what thrills me the most. I am very intensely focused when I paint. Usually painting alone or with one other cherished friend. When a painting is finished I am almost sad, because that specific, unique journey is over; never to be duplicated.

     All of creation inspires me. Especially the plants, flowers, trees.  I grew up helping my mom in her garden and those 'roots' have served me well in my painting journeys. I have always been a crafter, even as a child, this is just my latest adventure.

    Not being a 'professionally trained' artist (save for a couple classes) I have had to overcome the idea that I was not a 'real' artist. Thanks to the encouragement I have found among Etsians I now say, "I am an artist".

My work has a softer caste to it, which is on purpose. I seek a gentler way and a kinder spirit to reach out to the world.

How did you get your start on Etsy?

      I opened my first shop in 2007 after a friend told me about this new site for handcrafters. Opened gerdasgarden in 2009 when I decided to focus on my artwork.

-How did you choose your shop name? 

     I wanted a name that had my name, since it's unusual and therefore easy to remember and that reflected much of what I paint. the outdoors.

-What does a typical day look like for you? 

      I have the privilege of working from home. My art is a part-time venture for now. I usually tend to 'home type' matters in the morning and paint once a week alongside a fellow artist. Most afternoons I try to spend a few hours online working on listings or other computer related adventures (twitter, pinterest etc)

-If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?  Holy Lands

-What is your favorite Bible verse?   Proverbs 3:5-6

     "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

-What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?

-URLs to where else we can find you on the internet (Facebook fan page, Twitter, your own dot.com, your blog, etc)

Facebook --  https://www.facebook.com/GerdaCollins.Artist

Twitter --  https://twitter.com/gerdasgarden

Gerda's work is delightful and gives us that glimpse of spring that we are longing for.

posted by: Zuda Gay Pease