Art majorLive Wedding/Event painting
Katie Nelson ’16, an art major, is a live wedding/events painter. This artistic and creative avenue chose Nelson years ago, when she was asked by a good friend and Asbury alum (Mandy Smith 16’) to paint her wedding. She has been painting memories ever since.
“The act of creating brings me so much joy, whether I’m painting a wedding or creating my own body of work in my studio,” said Nelson, “I also love getting to meet new people and bringing joy to couples on their wedding day.”
Nelson’s vocation not only gives her the freedom to express herself creatively but has also been a liaison for vital lessons in her spiritual life.
“I have learned so much in business, and skill, but in this moment, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that God is constant. It’s nothing crazy deep, and I’m sure everyone ‘knows’ this, but His grace has carried me through times when I have not been constant or worthy of His blessing or mercy,” continued Nelson, “Even in those times, He was there with open arms.”
Nelson was able to form and cultivate the foundations of a God-centered life through her time at Asbury.
“My education at Asbury was foundational because I learned that in everything, whether science, art or history, God is there. God is the foundation and in the culture at Asbury. The University was teaching me how to incorporate God into every area of my life.”
Along with spiritual guidance through the University, Nelson found personal mentorship with one of Asbury’s professors.
“Professor Chris Segre-Lewis impacted me deeply. His connection to the Holy Spirit and sensitivity to how God interacts with creativity was really inspiring. And his gallery showing was so impactful. In one of my classes, I remember him saying something along the lines of, ‘color is light, God is light, so God is color.’ I cannot really pinpoint why that hit so deeply, but there is something to be said about God being the greatest Artist.”
Nelson’s advice to Asbury’s young alums and current students:
“You have so much time to figure things out. Even if you get your dream job immediately after college, you may not be ready for it. You may not be able to appreciate it fully without the period of waiting.”