The Story of Us: Two Creatives Bonding over Art, Mississippi and Breast Cancer

I love the state of Mississippi. Thirty-eight years ago, this Georgia girl took a leap of faith and attended college at Ole Miss, Located in Oxford, Mississippi. Those four years were some the best years of my life. I came to love Oxford not only for its southern charm and small town feel but also for its eclectic culture, especially in the arena of the arts. You will find a melting pot of authors, musicians, painters, potters; The list goes on.

It has been said "Creativity runs deep in Mississippi evolving from the love of family, natural beauty and seasons of struggle", maybe it is for all of those reasons, I hold the magnolia state so close to my heart.

When I decided to search for art to display in my Atlanta home it only seemed natural to go in search of talented artists that reside in the state that has given me so much. So off to Instagram I went. I was so thrilled to come across the very talented Sandi Woods, who moved to Abbeville, MS from California. I was immediately drawn to her block prints not only for their incredible attention to detail but also for their inspiring messages. I reached out to her and asked her if she would be open to doing an art exchange. Her prints for my pottery. I was beyond excited when she accepted the invitation and that is where the magic began.

As we got to know each other through many text messages, I came to find out that she is OBSESSED with the Swiss Cross. So, we talked about creating a ceramic piece with this inspiring universal symbol. I was drawn to her "Strength and Courage" block print and we had decided she would create that for me. As we continued to exchange texts, we realized that we were both fighting Breast Cancer. Those of us who have fought the fight of this terrible disease often say "It is a sorority that no asks to be a part of" we immediately bonded, and a beautiful friendship was born. Over the course of a year, we have shared art, medical advice, and great places to visit in Oxford and surrounding areas. It has been a sweet blessing!

Last April, I was making my yearly girl's trip to Oxford and walked into a BEAUTIFUL florist shop, Oxford Garden Co. in Taylor, MS. and IMMEDIATELY noticed the wonderful artwork displayed throughout this store and just KNEW it was Sandi's. I asked the store owner (Ironically named Kristina from Georgia...God Wink), If they were in fact Sandi's pieces and she said that they were. I had shared with her that I had not actually met her in person, but we had become friends through an Art Exchange. That is when her eyes lit up and she said that Sandi had actually shared our story. She informed me that Sandi would be showcasing her work at the Double Decker Festival the following day and that I should go surprise her! I was beyond excited to meet her face to face. What an incredible gift it was. Tears were flowing and there was pure JOY in the room. Her heart is just as beautiful as the masterpieces she creates. And there is where you find "BEAUTY from the ASHES". It has been and honor and a privilege to know you and walk beside you. "Thank you for being a Friend".

Love,

Christina

"He will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair, they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, for the display of his splendor." - Isaiah 61:3

*Follow Sandi on IG at @sandywoodsart and her website sandiwoodsart.com For all of my fellow Ole Miss grads you can find her work at @HighPointCoffee in Oxford, the @OxfordGardenCo. in Taylor.