Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Goodman.
Barbara, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The first thing you need to know is that I never had any creative talent, that I knew of.
I worked at Marriott Hotels for 12 years, and left in 1991. During the next ten years I had a lot of different jobs. I didn’t know why at the time, but I just wouldn’t stay in a job. I was great at interviewing and got every job. The variety of jobs would astound you. It was during this time, I wandered into a craft store and looked for something to do. Trying to keep a long story short, just know I did various crafts. I loved the Monet painting that hung in my room and decided to see if I could paint like Monet. I know, LOL. The technique for me was using dots. Once in a while, a painting came out pretty good. As the years went on, and the jobs kept changing, my interest in painting continued.
Now, here is the wildest part of the story and the reason I believe my creative interest was piqued. In 2001, I found out I had a brain tumor. Yup, a brain tumor. In fact, little did I know this tumor had been slowly growing for 10-15 years. WOW is right. I am doing great. I was lucky to have a benign tumor. However, the brain tumor temporarily changed my personality. It turns out my lack of drive, and motivation was due to the tumor.
Your next question is probably, how did I finally find it, right? Sure, I had horrific headaches, but since I was a kid, I always had headaches. I didn’t pay attention to the severity of the pain. One day, I decided it was time to see an eye doctor. Again, trying to keep the story short, the Ophthalmologist, couldn’t get my right eye to see better with any lens. Nope, it wasn’t here that I found out about the tumor. I was sent to have blood tests for a multitude of diseases. The good news was that every test came back negative. So, if that was the good news, what was wrong with my eye?
Next step is an MRI. Yes, there it is a 1cm Meningioma. In 2001, I had 90 % of the tumor surgically removed and radiation to get rid of what was left. I am happy to report that I am doing great today and have a checkup MRI every five years! My personality change was reversed, I regained determination, focus, drive and motivation.
This may sound strange, but I was grateful to find out what was going on with me and that I found a creative part of me I never knew about.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
While I’ve done several art shows and sold many art pieces, it’s not enough to live on. To support my art, I am a Sales Consultant at Volvo of Wellesley.
When I started selling cars I wanted to give everyone that bought a car from me a gift. a personal gift. Realizing that not everyone would want an original painting, I created sticky note cubes from my paintings. I figured most people use sticky notes.
When I present the gift, people are amazed that the cube is made from my painting.
Then I realized I could create so many other gifts i.e. note pads, umbrellas, coasters, post cards, jewelry and so much more.
I would love to sell the gift items wholesale to stores.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about BSG Creations – what should we know?
What sets me apart are the items I create from my original art.
As far as painting goes, I started making small pieces, 3″x3″. People say how can you paint such detail on such a small canvas. These pieces are great on a little easer or a magnet or hanging on a wall some people use several small pieces to create a collection.
I have never taken an art class. Although if time permitted I would love to. I read about painting. I watch YouTube pieces on how to paint.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Of course my friends and family are my biggest support and critiques.
No punches no false accolades. They make suggestions freely.
My mother is the most direct and honest with me. I have to say her suggestions are usually spot on.
I consider it a huge honor when my mother wants to hang a painting.
Funny thing is when I give her sticky note cubes, she won’t use them. She says they’re too pretty. I tell her I can always give her more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bsgcreations.com
- Phone: 617-818-1057
- Email: bsgcreations@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bsgcreations/
- Twitter: twitter.com/bsgcreations.com
- Yelp: https://www.pinterest.com/bsgcreations/pins/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BSGCreation
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