Finding Your Joy
Written by Mariangela Rinaldi
The title of this piece is Baby’s First Waterfall. It's meant to help us remember the pure joy of playing in a cool pool of water; of seeking beauty in nature; and of exploring anything or everything we find interesting. Do not discount this. In discovering what brings us joy, we may also discover our talents.
As for me, I was always meant to paint. I paint as often as I can, and I truly have never been happier. Candidly though, it has been a journey to get here. I’ve painted and drawn since as long as I can remember. But fear (and a strong dose of practicality) lead me to pursue a design degree. The path was a good one: successful design career, marriage, 3 children, and the role of “full-time family manager”. So, painting took a back burner.
Then, in 2019 my 24 year marriage ended. In hindsight, it has been a blessing for all of us, though we didn’t know it at the time. The hardest part for me was the ensuing identity crisis. Over the years, I had morphed into the consummate other-centered giver. But, who was Mariangela if not the family glue? Fortunately for me, about a year ago, grace and a dear friend led me to a week long artists’ retreat. It was serendipitous. The right place, the right time, and I was ready for an adventure.
I had no way of knowing it would turn out to be so much more. Not only did I learn new painting techniques, I remembered me. Really and truly. I found that I needed to paint. I still have much to learn. But, I now realize that what I mistook as a self satisfying, albeit occasional pastime, was in fact a gift to share. How had I never considered that before?
Today, I paint. I believe I was always meant to get here - to create and share beauty, and I am so grateful for it.
Mariangela
"No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:15-16
Mariangela Rinaldi
Hello, I am Mariangela, an artist and designer based in Charlotte, NC.
I am 54, deeply grounded in my faith (thank you St. Ignatius), and have three young-adult children.
My favorite subject matter are the human figure, seascapes, and still life. I work predominantly in acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, and pastel. It is my great pleasure to be able to create and share beauty through my art.
