We had the good fortune of connecting with Vera Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vera, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The entire experience thus far with this art endeavor has been about risk taking. When I was growing up my dad gave me some advice which I have used periodically in my life “just make a decision and don’t get stuck in the what if’s. It’s better to make a decision than none at all. You don’t know what opportunities will be right around the corner. If you end up making a bad decision you will adjust” In 2015 I quit a job with the airlines without another job lined up. But I was ready to start a new chapter in my life and it made all the difference

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Currently I’m painting and drawing commissions and also murals for public spaces and private spaces. I need to mention that my artistic endeavor is coming from a place of recovery and remission with bipolar disorder. The two journeys have melded together. Several years ago I was hospitalized for attempting suicide and through intense self examination and the grace of God I sought treatment and strong support of family and friends. In the beginning after I was first diagnosed due to side effects of medication, I couldn’t even hold a pencil let alone draw or paint. I was experiencing bad tremors and I thought that I would never paint again. This caused intense despair but my faith told me to hang in there and try different meds. Little did I know at the time I was building tenacity,perseverance, and a never quit attitude. These characteristics just happen to be the building blocks of starting a new business. When the fog eventually cleared I could actually paint again, I began to let loose and experiment and put myself out there. I’ve experimented with different media and found a home in oils and murals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Funny question! I just had someone in town recently! I would take that person for a 4 mile hike in the Black Forest near where I live then go for a drive up to woodland Park.
We would pay a visit to my all time favorite restaurant Ohana Grille in Castle Rock. Hubby and I had the opportunity to visit Hawaii numerous times and love all things Hawaii. This Colorado restaurant makes a great Mai Tai. Their location in Edgewater has live music every other Saturday. Hopefully the Castle Rock location will too.!
Also we would check out a service Sunday morning at Black Forest Chapel.
I’m more of a homebody so I would make a dinner with wine then listen to the local jazz radio station 93.5 on the sound bar!
Also we have been watching old Columbo shows in our new TV so we would do that I’m sure!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
By the grace of God my husband deserves the most credit. He saved my life in various ways. His undying faithfulness and support is the reason I’m alive let alone be able to explore creativity. Also my journey involves mental illness and my doctor along the way, Doctor Markey also deserves to be mentioned with nobility and gratitude. Also a shout out to Amy and my mom!

Website: ArtRunStudios.com

Instagram: ArtRun_Studios

Youtube: Vera Anderson

Image Credits
Melany McKnight

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