Hello readers! Thank you for your interest in my work and the history behind it. I hope you find this story to be at least the tiniest bit inspiring.

I don’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t paint. My mom equipped me with art supplies and tools at a very young age when she recognized that I gravitated toward being a very creative kid. While my younger brothers took their naps, I had quiet-time playing with paints under the pergola built by my dad in our Arizona backyard. The purple snail flowers climbing up the dry wooden beams remain a distinct memory from those early painting days. Even back then, art-making was a peaceful and meditative outlet for me. I am ceaselessly grateful to my parents for always honoring my intrinsic artistic impulses.

As I entered into my teenage years, entrepreneurship piqued my interest —upon moving to Florida with my family at age 13, I created a series of coastal art and attended my first art show where I sold my paintings for the first time. A few generous locals commissioned pieces for their homes, and within the following weeks, my dad was helping me load my kayak with paintings to deliver to my new clients across Tampa Bay. This experience confirmed the I desire I had to share my craft in this way long-term.

Flash-forward to college, October 2018 - I had just started my first semester at Lander University as a piano student. Unexpectedly, my dad was tragically killed. Darkness and pain encompassed me, and the trauma I experienced from bearing witness to the scene along with the grief of losing one of my closest companions settled in my body and effected me in a serious physical way. The symptoms of PTSD debilitated my life, though I remained in school full-time. Therapists suggested medication for my anxiety, but I was confident that there was a more holistic approach to healing my brokenness.

Wholeheartedly, and with even more inspiration than ever before, I dove into music and art-making. Singing with my choir helped me regain my breath, and painting for clients gave me a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Had I given up on these outlets, I don’t believe I would be a fully present human here today.

As my painting business grew in my community, I chose to name it after a word that my dad frequently used: Gumption. “What does gumption mean,” many people have asked. I’ll tell you: It’s shrewd initiative. It’s maintaining a go-getter-mindset. It’s rising above the status quo. It’s following your intuition and taking risks. It’s tenacity. It is the most appropriate word that exists for such a business and story as mine, and I stay reminding myself of it’s meaning throughout each season of life.

I’ve always known that I would eventually use my experience with trauma to help others somehow, but it wasn’t until 2024 that it dawned on me just how I would do that. Creating art has always been my passion, and creating art has helped me heal my mind, body and spirit almost beyond words can express, so what better way to serve others than by utilizing this spiritual gift?

In February 2024, I led my first watercolor workshop which turned out to be very well received by my community and students. Most people found that coming into the creative space and letting their inner child play with the paints was a new outlet of therapy and catharsis. Our small class quickly grew into an emotional support group, and I found utter fulfillment in facilitating such a special event. Ever since, I have been booking these types of meditative watercolor classes around my home in East Tennessee.

I believe that these classes have been so successful and fulfilling for me and my students because I emphasize and understand the importance of the therapeutic benefits of the practice. I give students creative affirmations to refer to throughout the session and evoke in the atmosphere a peaceful and releasing energy. It’s so beautiful to witness everyone finding peace in their mind during class that oftentimes I cry tears of joy and gratitude for the opportunities life has given me to create space for people in this way.

As I now continue an training for an Art Therapy Practitioner Certification, I draw inspiration from the Earth and my own intuition while creating beautiful art pieces and inviting class spaces — my hope in all of these endeavors is to inspire and guide others to tapping into their own creativity in order to find harmony and purpose in life. I believe to exist on this planet is a blessing, and that people deserve the chance to break down suffering in holistic ways in order to reach their highest potential.

So now, I am giving this business 100%. I am taking major steps in a direction to making this my career, as I believe it is my divine calling and purpose here on Earth. I am grateful to all of my students, commissioners, family and friends for giving me words of encouragement and support on this journey of mine. Without the amazing community I have backing me up, I could not chase this dream. So, thank you for being here. Thank you for making it this far down the page and reading all about the history and intentions I have for this business.

Stay tuned for updates and stories surrounding my work. It’s going to be a beautiful ride.

With gratitude,

Caroline Black