These 7×5 copies collect stories from people who can relate to life’s stormy weather as depicted in Nicole’s “Checkered Shores”. Be the first to purchase a print and receive your free 7×5. Then share your connection with “Checkered Shores” on our blog. When you buy a print, you help Nicole, and her family of eleven, fight poverty. Half the proceeds will go to her. Click here to purchase.
The following glimpse of Nicole’s life is printed on the back of each 7×5 with an invitation to blog:
“Join the story…
Nicole wanted to paint over the years on crystal meth, seedy hotels and borrowed couches. She wanted to paint a post card picture with calm seas, so no one would see the crushing waves that had raged through most of her life. At 17, San Diego had seduced her, promising escape, freedom for herself and newborn daughter. But instead, it lead her through dark alleys and cheep thrills, deeper into the web of addiction. When I met her, in a homeless shelter, San Diego was a ten-year old memory. Freedom had finally come. She had bounced through failed court ordered rehab programs, a federal drug conviction, three months in prison, two more pregnancies and a blended family of nine children. Then came a glorious encounter with the living God, a promise of eternal life, and an eviction notice that left her homeless. Even freedom was rough—Nicole wanted smooth. But as we painted together the calm seas became a stormy picture of a dynamic new life, chiseled and made strong by adversity. Nicole began to see her painting as a picture of God’s powerful love, her checkered past a monument to the strength of His forgiveness.
Is there wisdom hidden within your checkered past? Share* it on our blog. Then give this picture to someone else. You can follow its journey around the world at rickstillartist.com/the-stories. Save the ID** and follow the directions below…”
*To share your story, go to rickstillartist.com/blogstory and follow the instructions.
**Use the number in the box above for ID. If the box is empty, leave it blank. We’ll email you the ID after your story is published.