Meet Summer Strother of San Tan Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Strother.

Hi Summer, 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?
Born an artist, I started sketching and drawing when I was around 4 years old. I distinctly remember getting my first paint set when I was 8. The first painting I did was of a horse head and my entire life I’ve been drawn to anything with eyes…..the windows to the soul where all truths are revealed. What began as a focus on figurative and portraiture expanded to include textural elements, unique pattern technique with intentional color usage. I eventually wanted more and went full 3D with clay sculptures.
I graduated from The Art Institute of Atlanta with a Visual Communications Degree and immediately launched a career as a freelance Graphic Designer. While I have a deep appreciation for layout, color and font usage, sitting in front of a computer all day was not for me. I took many breaks from my desk to nourish my soul with a brush and paint. If I didn’t have a canvas handy I just painted the wall in my office. Murals, decoratives, unique finishes spread across the walls and ceilings of my house. My neighbors asked if I’d do the same to their walls and this began my transition from graphic designer to faux finisher and muralist. Within years I had a team of 5 artists and a calendar filled with various projects. Featured in various magazines and HGTV’s “Room to Improve” I was in my hay day until the crash of 2008.
I abruptly went from high polished Venetian plaster finishes to laying on someones kitchen floor painting the toe kick of cabinet refinishing. My heart was aching for real art so I joined a clay collective with seasonal art shows. I sold many pieces but kitchen makeovers payed the bills so I continued for another ten years.
My eldest son established his family in Arizona with his second son on the way. I knew I had to move out West if I wanted to develop any kind of bond with my grandchildren. He and my daughter in law, both with professional careers, needed help with a nine month old and one on the way. So I closed shop, sold my house and headed to Arizona. The plan was for me to live with them while helping with the babies for the first two years then I would establish myself. Well things didn’t quite pan out that way.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While I was able to help with my grandchildren the first two years in Arizona, it happened to be during the shutdown of 2019. As we all know, this was a very precarious time. I sold a few of my sculptures in some unique stores from Chandler to Carefree and got a few faux finishing jobs but the world was at a standstill and I couldn’t figure out how to move forward. Eventually that confusion became irrelevant as my life came to a screeching halt. I was not prepared for the twist of fate that flipped the script. Suddenly I was the one in need of loving care. I will not dishonor the events that took place with a brief description as it’s a very deep and layered story unto itself. What I will say is I was bedridden for two years with a slow and arduous recovery. I learned to function regardless of the constant pain and fatigue. I acknowledged it’s presence but refused to feed it my focused attention. Finally able to move out of my son’s house, I ended up in San Tan Valley April of 2023.

I could not make it through an entire day without several breaks if not an actual nap where I disappeared into deep slumber so I had to figure out how to create an income which accommodated the predicament I found myself in. An artist of many mediums, I laid them all out contemplating and brainstorming on how to monetize each of my many art forms. My final solution? I could bring my clients to me if I offered private art sessions and small scale workshops in which I could teach from my home studio. I custom tailored each session or project to accommodate the unique objective of each individual client. This was a slow but progressive build of a very unique customer base. I needed more “work” so I offered portraiture on consignment for those desiring the nostalgia of an actual painting on canvas. I captured the essence of loved ones be it human or fur baby. Still needing more, I stretched myself even further by attending farmer markets as a vendor. I sold everything pottery; bird houses, chimes, signature mugs and such. It wasn’t long before I found myself doing all my artistic endeavors that I loved to do.

I had no choice but to rely on my innate talent. The gratification of being in a creative state of joy and bliss was when I shifted into true healing and I fully believe this is the purpose of the trauma I endured. We are born driven to do what we’re inspired to do. To develop that which we love to do. It only makes sense that this is our purpose and our gift to the world. I’m not 100% healed but I’m darn close. My strength is growing with each passing month and I’m invigorated with ideas and dreams that I know are meant to come true. I stay aligned in the inspiration of my souls purpose and it’s as if life shifts to accommodate me. When I became comfortable with the unknown, then doors started opening, calls started coming, alignments started connecting. I am currently sticking to one market, Pecan Lake Farmer’s Market at the Queen Creek Botanical Garden. Here I am surrounded by the most down to earth people who serve the community with absolute sincerity. I’m there most Saturdays and I show up to build relationships in my community first and foremost. While I do sell my work there, I sit and sculpt mini heads. Some folks like to see the inner workings of the craft while others are pulled into my little world. When I see that glint in their eye I offer them a seat and a ball of clay. Their eyes dart around looking for a price. “No charge,” I assure them. I proceed to take them step by step through a demonstrative instructional session. Within 20 minutes or less they are in awe of what they just did. The deepest of gratification, pride and joy are just beaming from them! Every single time. This is what it’s about for me. I’m fueled by the bliss encapsulating us for this moment in time in which it’s as if we had always known each other. When they come to pick up their fired heads we hug as if old friends. Whether we ever encounter each other again is not relevant. Our souls connected in way that shifted each of our worlds. Heaven on earth is real. It’s been here all along. We just can’t see it until the false aspects of this world and ourselves die off. That’s when true alignment happens.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am most proud of witnessing the “becoming” of each client. I get to witness their pride and joy as their art expands beyond what they ever imagined they could do. And in doing so their soul expands. It’s a magical experience.

Any big plans?
For now I will continue to teach anyone who wants to learn sketching, painting, potters wheel, ceramic sculpture and hand building. It has been the greatest element to my healing and I believe so many people have some inner healing that will draw them to one of my many art forms. I will continue to offer portraiture and sell my many art forms. I serve whoever it is that shows up before me and fill my heart with gratitude for each wonderful moment, no matter how small. Big changes are coming, that’s for sure, I can feel it. My health is my wealth and it’s back! I have many dreams that I’ve lived a hundred times over while bedridden so it’s only a matter of time until fruition. For now I’m aligned but still in the stage of manifestation. I’ll be sure to give you an update when the time comes!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.summerstrother.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysummerceramics/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@arteesta952/videos