With the name Shara Memory, (pronounced “share a memory”) you can bet that I am a sentimental type of person.   I love remembering where I came from and where I’ve been.   Looking back on some of my original artwork pieces is hysterical to me.  They are not impressive, but they sure are memorable.  I so much appreciate my husband for supporting and believing in me all these years. 

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     I met my husband, Mark, when we were 15 years old.  He was my original inspiration for painting.  At that time, we didn’t own smart phones or digital cameras.  The pictures I have of our first dates were captured on disposable cameras.  Most of the time when I would pull out my yellow cardboard covered clunky camera, he would roll his eyes.  Taking a moment to take a picture was so not “cool” to him.  As much as I love the mental pictures I have stored in my head from then, I am so glad I also have the real snapshots taken as well.

 

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     I miss that anticipation of taking film in to be developed.  Returning in 24 hours, or in some  cases only an hour, and being handed an envelope full of crisp new photos to look back on and smile.   I had eagerly awaited this one picture in particular.  It was our first time out on the lake water skiing and tubing together.   One of those perfect dates where you just loved every second of it.  After the date, we had our picture taken by the lake. 

 

      BUT...You know how it goes with developing film.;  Occasionally, a photo  you are MOST excited for turns out to be not so amazing.  When the film was developed, I was so sad to see our faces in the picture masked in shadows of tree we were standing by.   That’s when 15 year old me thought I needed to do something about this.

 

     My idea? “I’ll paint a picture of us instead.”  I wanted to capture the moment, and “Share a Memory.”  So that’s just what I did.  Now... do not expect this piece to astound you with my talent.  It has jokingly been compared to the style of “Beavis and Butthead.”  

 

    As much as I would love to say I had this fairytale- together since we were 15-romances in life, that wasn’t the case.   Mark & I didn't stay together since we were young-ins, we broke up back in the day, but thankfully found each other again later in life.  Do you know what this eye rolling teenage boy kept all those years even when we were apart?  My painting.    I've never stopped painting since.

 

I love that now  I am able to use my art to Shara Memory for others.