This month’s Small Business Saturday goes out to Ramie Frantz, creator and painter at Ramie Frantz Art. Besides having an awesome name, she is also incredibly talented. Her work overflows with creativity, color, thought, and beauty. Also, she has one of the most beautiful websites ever. Take a couple minutes to look through it; it’s sure to inspire you one way or another. You can also check out her work on Instagram. I have two pieces from her, and I absolutely love them.

I typically name them once they’re completed, and then I look back at what was happening during the time of creation. I associate my pieces with what was occurring in my life, best. Whether it’s a simple everyday task, a conversation I had with someone or myself, or a life-altering decision, all of these things influence my work. I decided to name this piece “Navigate.”

Most of my inspiration comes from nature, culture, experiences, and encounters. Water is probably one texture or motion I try to incorporate in every single one of my pieces, so I think you’ll see that here. When I was creating this piece I thought of water; the unpredictability of it, the direction, and the emotions that rise with it when it’s calm versus raging.

The conversations I had most frequently with myself while making it were: “What direction am I going? Where do I want to end up? What’s my next step as an artist?” This has been something that’s been on my heart and ironically, we even talked about some of those questions during our conversation over coffee! After that conversation, I felt more drawn to the name “Navigate” because I feel that this piece was created in the center of that thought process, which I now think of as a turning point in my career as an artist.

The print that I included with that piece I made for you is called “A New Season.” It was the first painting I made when I moved out to Colorado, so you have two pieces I’ve made in truly pivotal moments of my life and career.

During the month of October, I am partnering with LifeGate Church in Denver to raise money for a non-profit called Healing Waters by selling $10 raffle tickets for a painting I’ve made. We’re planning on taking donations until the first week of November. All proceeds will go directly to Healing Waters. Their mission is to end the global water crisis and make clean water accessible to all.

How cool is Ramie Frantz? Super cool. Check out her art and give her a follow while you’re at it!