Joanne's Heart
Faith is the driving force in my life, and I give God all of the glory for the good and the bad moments that I've experienced. There have been tough times, but from those moments came great joy that I would not trade. I believe that God only gives us what we can handle, and you cannot experience life's blessings without bearing the pain.
It is because of my experiences that I am painting with purpose. Woven into each painted story is the faith that I have – faith in God and the good of humankind.
A Life-Changing Moment
My life changed on January 31, 2018, when my husband went to the hospital and never came home. We had celebrated 36 years of marriage and had three sons together. He visited the doctor because of swollen feet and was transferred to the hospital after complications from a procedure. When the hospital called, I instinctively knew what had happened. I was devastated, shaking, and in turmoil when they told me that my husband had died. My world felt like it was slowly upending out of my control. I didn't know what to do and couldn't recover my equilibrium. It was my faith that supported me and helped me make the necessary decisions. Even though I struggled, I knew that God would give me only what I could handle, so I kept putting one foot in front of the other. I spent hours making phone calls to get answers, learn the truth behind my husband's passing, and return some sense of normalcy to my life.
A year after his death, I was ready to start making changes to my home and life. I felt the pull to start creating again. I began having fun and was joyful. When you are in the midst of turmoil, it can be hard to imagine ever experiencing joy, but I was. One night at a charity event, a friend asked if I painted. I answered that I am a trained artist but wasn't sure if I could still paint. His reply changed my life. He said, "The only way you'll find out is if you go out and buy a canvas." At first, I was angry at him for telling me what to do, but then I bought a canvas, started painting, and have not stopped.
Finding My Inspiration
Today, painting with purpose defines my work. I never have to look far for inspiration. People's stories, my life experiences, and my faith inspire me. I found new motivation to create my art and experimented with different techniques. As I painted, I felt all of the emotions and turmoil I had experienced spill out onto the canvas. I finally felt better.
Buying that canvas was a defining moment that changed my life's journey. After looking at my paintings, I decided to paint every day, sell my artwork, and donate half of the proceeds to charity. Painting with purpose was my mission.
Tested Hearts is Born
I knew that I had to give back in response to the help I received, and that's where Tested Hearts begins. Everyone needs a helping hand in times of heartache, loss, or uncertainty. That support can change a person's life. The name Tested Hearts was born out of the adversities that I've overcome. Whether illness, loss, or some other challenge, we've all had our heart tested at one time or another. The choices you make during these struggles will help define your life. If you are like me, you will emerge stronger and better.
I've learned that life is not all bad, and there are times of joy to be found even in the darkest of moments. Life has tested me, but these challenges have helped me find my purpose and discover what brings me joy. Because of these obstacles and outcomes, I am painting with purpose.
Inspirational Stories
Every painting tells an original story that is grounded in struggles and overcoming adversity. View the artwork and read the inspiring stories from the real-life people behind each piece.
Series
The human experience makes for powerful art. Explore original artwork inspired by stories from veterans and service member families and by others facing challenges.
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