Open a Door to Your Own Creativity-one woman's story--- by Susan Reis

Kay Schecter, a good customer from Salt of the Earth (now closed) in Old Orchard called the store one day and asked that I call her.  She had bought several of my ‘Two x Two’ collection as well as some of my Yoga Birds.  When I returned her call, she said she wanted to commission one of my frogs for her front door…and then asked if I thought she was crazy.  I laughed and said ‘No, Kay, you’re just being expressive!.  People do this all the time for indoor doors and murals…why not your front door!?’ We agreed this would be a fun project and put our heads together to brainstorm.

Kay is an avid gardener and volunteer at MoBot, so I decided on a joyous frog dancing in her flower beds.  When my art was finished, I had it made into a ‘skin’ (what you see wrapping around buses)…and it was applied to the front door.  A year and a half later, ‘Daisy’, as Kay calls her, adds color and joy to her street in U. City, greeting Kay and anyone who visits.  Kay says she delights in coming home, especially at night or in the dreary winter;  ‘Daisy’ brings cheer and welcome to all.

I love doing commissions like this…collaborating with the customer; learning about them, and what makes them tick is such fun.  The best part, though, is bringing that to life, giving them something they are proud of and makes them smile! 

Side note: this process could be used to produce indoor or outdoor murals, garage doors, etc.  FUN!  
Story and custom artwork by Susan Reis

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