Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Burton.
Hi Sharon, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was a teenager and full of passion and artistic potential as a visual artist, I wanted to go to art school after graduation. This was the mid-80s and although some people were pursuing a career in the arts, many of us “Gen Xers” were encouraged to pursue what many of our parents considered “stable” and financially rewarding careers. So my father, who recognized my artistic talents, was well-meaning, but basically said that if he was going to contribute to my higher education, a degree in visual arts was not it. I recall him saying something like, I could always pursue my art stuff later.
I ended up getting a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration followed by a Master of Public Administration and worked primarily in the public and non-profit sector which has been rewarding and allowed me to make a decent living. However, the art thing started with little nudges right after getting my graduate degree when I would ride past the art college where I lived on my way somewhere. I kept ignoring it but it wouldn’t go away. I talked myself out of pursuing studio art classes due to feeling I was “too old” to be in a classroom with younger people and that I only was an artist in my mind, not in reality. But, I did decide to immerse myself in the visual arts scene…training to be a docent for a large art festival. I found myself attending panel discussion and art lectures and became more enamored with artists…their inspirations and how they worked.
After I moved for another job, I immersed myself in the art scene…but as a curator and advisor on the side. After working with artists for a few years, I kept hearing in my head that I need to create…that yes I am an artist and have something to say. So, in my late 30s, I got the nerve to take studio classes in drawing, mixed media, etc. and found adults of all ages were pursuing their creative passions like me.
It took me a while to actually show my work. A friend and art colleague who was co-curating an exhibition with me was the person who helped encourage me to put my own work into the show after a lot of hesitation. I received some great feedback from some of the artists in show which encouraged me to create more work and actually submit to local art exhibitions. It’s been over 18 years since that initial show and I have been showing my work in Juried and non-juried shows ever since.
I don’t think I would have been as dedicated as an artist or writer as a younger person. I don’t think art school would have been good for me…the stories from my artist friends have convinced me that it wasn’t for me. I also think I have more depth in my subject matter and what I want to convey as someone who has had significant life experience.
I started blogging about the local arts scene as part of my curating practice in the late 2000s. I started getting a following and partnered with galleries, art centers, curators, etc. to curate art shows and events with emerging artists. My own creative practice began to flourish as well.
After a health episode, I had to take a look at what I was doing, who I was doing it with and what made me happy. I found myself enjoying being around artists more than anyone in the art community. I also had looked at becoming a Creativity Coach off and on through the years, and since I like working with artists directly, I started to look into it. My own story as an emerging artist was the basis of how I connected to others who wanted to pursue a creative career, whether it was the visual arts, music or writing. I felt my talents and personality best fit that role in the arts community. And in 2019, I received my creativity coaching certification and have not looked back since.
I didn’t want to be a coach that was about how creatives can make more money or connect with the art world. Although my experience has assisted people with the latter, my focus is to help people move from “I can’t do (fill in the blank)” to “yes, I am (fill in the blank).” I wanted to build a business that reflected my values and that included creativity as a wellness practice. I received a certification as a Yoga Nidra and meditation guide, because part of the process of becoming unblocked and confident as a creative is to settle the mind. I approach my practice with an open heart and I try to reach people where they are at. Establishing a bond with artists and creatives is the only and most important relationship to me. And I take that very seriously.
I have worked with artists and creatives from across the country, in person and virtually. I have been asked to and have presented at national workshops and conferences from Florida to California. I became an Amazon best-selling author and a teacher artist at local arts organizations. I have worked with creative people outside the visual art world and expanded my understanding of the creative community. I have helped to inspire people to move past their comfort zones to pursue their passions. I am most proud to see those creatives who have moved past feelings of imposter syndrome to become fully confident in their talents and abilities.
Now, as the world has changed rapidly, I see my role more to continue to keep creative people inspired and motivated to do their work, and help others find calm in leaning into their self expression for connection and well-being.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I was working as an art advisor, I found that the art market was glamorous but rough. My personality and values did not match the environment I was working in. After getting burned a few times, I came to the conclusion that I was not in spiritual alignment with the art market in the DMV. My gifts are better served helping creatives thrive, no matter if they were “blue chip” artists or hobbyists. Taking this path led me to do things that would not have occurred if I continued on my other path…present at national conferences, write a best-selling book, and meet so many wonderful creatives. I am a fan of pivots and I am thankful that I had the courage to do so rather than to give up working with artists.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Since 2016, Spark Your Creative Coaching (SYC) has people in “creative recovery”…those looking to revive or jump start their creativity through group and individual coaching, workshops, books and the Spark Your Creative Podcast which features artists and other creatives who are using their unique talents to create more mindful communities and a safer world.
Creativity Coaches are similar to life coaches, but focus more specifically on your creative work. They help you to develop your artistic and humanistic talents. Creativity Coaches have helped thousands of artists, writers, inventors, entrepreneurs and other creative souls to accomplish their dreams.
SYC provides intensive support for creative pursuits, to keep you on track, keep you motivated, and work through the messy parts where you get stuck. Custom coaching packages are designed to include expressive art activities, journaling, and mindfulness sessions: (guided meditation or reiki) to focus and unblock barriers to your creativity. Other services include helping you to map out your creative path with a current creative project at work or a major culturally creative project (art, music, play, book, etc.) and stay on course.. We will look at gaining clarity on project outcomes, options and action steps.
SYC also offers virtual creativity coaching by email, which is perfect for the busy creative whose time is limited but needs support on a weekly basis to meet their creative goals or if funds are limited but need creative support.
Benefits of these services include providing mindfulness techniques to prevent burn out or creative anxiety, steps toward moving past areas that have contributed to blocks and gaining a sense of equanimity with your creative practice.
In addition, SYC offers DIY coaching via digital workshops and guides to help with creativity at a low cost.
I am most proud of the fact that I offer a welcoming, non-judgmental environment through workshops and one-to-one coaching where participants can freely explore their inner lives through creativity and move past blocks for their creative vision.
I have a life-long passion in health and wellness…with a background in public health and human services on the local, state and national levels which I am merging into the benefits of creativity. I am also drawn to working with people at mid-life and seniors who are passionate about exploring their creative lives and the intersection between art, health and wellness.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am looking for collaborators through non-profit arts or wellness organizations or others who understand the benefits of creativity as a wellness practice and believe it’s a necessary pursuit for healthy aging.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://sparkyourcreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkyourcreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SparkYourCreative
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sparkyourcreative/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkyourcreativecoaching6582
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sparkyourcreativepodcast
