Jan Mapes

. so many things vie for our attention, at times it seems we measure our worth by how busy our schedules are! We rush about our days, our to-do lists never shrink, and we miss the beauty of the moments as they slip by us.

I grew up in a military family, so we moved around a lot. Mom and Dad were so different. Dad loved us through the security of a structured household, but I was drawn to Mom. She was a tomboy like me, curious about the world around her. She taught me to climb trees and notice things. We’d drive somewhere in the car and she’d see something (like horses in a pasture) and say, “Look, Jan!” Dad never understood it, but I did. She taught me to enjoy life, to savor all that it offered.

To this day, I love to be outside, immersed in the wonder of creation. There are so many things to discover and enjoy! It’s my sanctuary where my heart can get quiet and I can hear God’s voice.

That’s where my art begins, for it takes stillness to receive.
But the greatest blessing comes when my work touches another heart and takes you to that place of wonder too.

Take a moment today and savor life..
I am amazingly blessed to live in a great ranching community in Southeast Colorado with my husband Jim. Over the years we've raised and he's trained cutting horses, run yearling cattle and immensely enjoyed the land and people around us. Over 6 years ago, God brought Cori into our lives and together we work to bring the joy of the western lifestyle to you through artwork, a good horse or some great food (if you happen to stop by!)

After Jim and I were married, we went to Santa Fe for our honeymoon. I remember walking through the galleries, looking at sculptures thinking, I've got to try that. Funny thing was, Jim had tried his hand at a little sculpting and offered me the stuff he had. That was over 30 years now!
As they say, the rest is history... a history that's still in the making!