Becky Pico
I have had a career in art for 27 years, in a less conventional way than some of my fellow artists.
I loved to draw and paint as a child and always achieved high grades in all my art classes in elementary and middle school. But I never knew it was what I was made to do, that came much later.
In my mid-twenties, I was a receptionist at a salon, and was getting bored with the job. I loved the people, yet knew I was meant for more. My pastor at that time, Rev. Henry Date, creatively used the “Parable of The Talents” to get his point across in a Sunday message. “To some he gave one talent, to others five, even ten.” He advised us to, “pray and ask what God has given you.”
It was life changing for me.
I prayed that prayer and waited. A few months later, an artist was hired to faux finish the walls at the salon. As I walked in and saw the finished product for the first time, the Holy Spirit inside me whispered, “you could do this, too.”
My boss and co-workers encouraged me, as did my own family, to take a step. I faux -finished my parents’ hallway, and it looked great! A client at the salon found out about my “experiment” and hired me to do her child’s bedroom. My first official painting job!
Something ignited, and I began to realize that God had given me an artistic talent.
I began a painting business. Each new client challenged me to learn more complicated processes, and that evolved into murals, then endeavors into fine art.
This evolution didn’t just happen through traditional artistic training, but it was through me calling on the Holy Spirit’s help to teach me what I needed to know. This help came in many forms- the right book, unexpected mentors, and sometimes, just a gut-level confidence that did a mental override on my doubts and fears. I found that colors, brushstrokes, and vision flowed from my heart and hands in ways that I could not explain. After completing a mural, portrait, or a particularly beautiful finish, I would often fall on my knees in thankfulness, speechless before a God who would see into my heart and provide for me in such a personal, delightful way.
Through the years I have worked with numerous wonderful clients, had my own shows, been part of group shows, was on the road for two years painting onstage with a contemporary Christian band, and now, I paint onstage every Sunday at Ascension Life Church, alongside our awesome worship band. Also, I am currently presiding as the president of the Community Artists League of Athens.
I love the story a picture tells, the feelings they evoke, and the place to which they transport the viewer. The opportunity that it creates is the purpose I was given to fulfill in my sphere of influence.
To possibly have a hand in helping to encourage, inspire or challenge someone. To bring healing, truth, or simply beauty into their lives, even for a few moments.
Art shouldn’t just match the colors in your living room, it should capture your attention and move your heart. That is what it does for us as we create it, and I pray whatever I am inspired by him to express, does that for you.
All glory to Him,
Becky Pico