About me…

Ultimately, what I’d love for you to know is that nothing about this is actually “about me”. I’ve often said that when we get to Heaven, I’m convinced that we will spend a tiny portion of that time looking back at all the ways God was working for our good–-interweaving miracles and mysteries into something beautiful–-while we were completely unaware.

I am a nurse practitioner by day and an artist by night. I left art years ago, but it never left me.

I picked up a paintbrush again at 50 years old. Everything in and around me said it was too late and I was too old. My brain told me that my art was no good and I had nothing to give. But my heart kept whispering a different story. And with every new brush stroke, I heard it louder and sweeter. 

I’m so inspired by people who leave a mark on this world. This year, I read the Gettysburg Address on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. His words were so poignant that I thought I’d write about him. Then I thought about painting him. And then the Holy Spirit gently tickled my soul saying, “Why don’t you do both?”

And so I did. 

I began to paint again. I began to write again. Big, bright, dramatic, and bold. Loose and outside of the lines. I began using words and swirling colors of paint to tell a story–drawing inspiration from people and mark making. With every stroke, I think of Jesus. All the ways He leads and helps and guides. How He quiets the noise and speaks a better Word. How He uses soul nudges to lead us to our Callings. How He reminds us that we are never too lost, too old, too far gone to be used in some meaningful way. How His hope is for each of us to leave a mark on this world in some way. At the end of every painting, each piece of art bears a painted cross in the last letter of my name. This is a humble nod to the ultimate Mark Maker, who is so gracious and good.

I hope my art evokes emotion in your heart. I hope you feel a holy moment in my stories. I hope you know that you were created for a purpose. I hope you know that it’s not too late to begin again and again and again. I hope you know that those little stirrings inside your heart may actually be the Holy Spirit leading you. I hope you know the Lord can use your life and your gifts to encourage others as you paint outside the lines, erase the lines, and hold the line.

Mostly, I hope you know Jesus. And if you don’t, I want to tell you about Him.

Because nothing about this is “about me”--It’s about the grace and glory and goodness of Someone who is working for our Good, even when we are unaware. 

Welcome. It’s no coincidence that you’re here. xoxo

 

Thank you for taking the time to peruse my artwork and browse the online gallery.  You can follow along with my art journey on Instagram @hburkecody. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or requests.