A Studio Full of Art and a Sky Full of Dogs

Yesterday, i had a preplanning conversation that left me feeling uplifted.

I met with artist Pannet—Phyllis Anne Taylor—in her studio. Being surrounded by someone’s artwork while getting to know them is a wonderful experience. There is so much to notice, to ask about, and to appreciate. Our conversation about final arrangements became a conversation about creativity, identity, and the beauty & energy we bring into the world.

We talked about how an artist might personalize a celebration of life. How could their art be part of that experience? How might the things they created help people feel connected to them, tell their story, or continue to inspire someone?

Sitting there in her studio, those questions felt very much alive.

Creativity can show up in so many ways—in something we make, in an idea that helps us solve a problem, or simply in how we see what is around us. I shared with Phyllis that on sunny days with fluffy white clouds, they all look like dogs to me. A whole sky full of dogs! I love those days. 🙂

That little everyday joy felt right at home in our conversation. There are so many ways to notice and imagine, and so much we can discover when we give ourselves permission to explore.

Much of Phyllis’s art focuses on portraits that convey the complicated journeys of women. But there is so much more to explore in her work. One of my favorite pieces in her studio was a mountain landscape. Alongside it was a gift her students had put together for her: a framed version of that landscape with thumbnail prints of their own interpretations from a class.

I was moved by the artwork itself, but also by the love conveyed in that gift. Each student had seen and created something a little differently. Together, their pieces became a beautiful thank-you to the person who had helped them discover what they could do.

Phyllis teaches both groups and individuals, helping people get in touch with their own creativity. We talked about creativity as a skill we can strengthen, and how using it can reach into other parts of our lives. It might help us find a new idea for our business, give us a way to work through feelings, or reveal something about ourselves that we hadn’t quite found words for.

Looking at that gift from her students, i could see how much those opportunities to create together meant to them.

Her work—both sharing and teaching art—uplifts others. As an artist, activist, and encourager, the beauty she contributes extends beyond her artwork to the people she encourages and the lives she touches.

Our work has some things in common.

Phyllis creates opportunities for people to explore who they are and express what they find. In my work, i get to listen to people share who they are and help them make choices that reflect that. Sometimes a person knows exactly what they want. Sometimes our conversation opens a possibility they hadn’t considered or helps them put words to something important.

Both experiences make room for individuality. Both invite a person to consider what feels meaningful and authentic to them. Both can be a little uncomfortable for people.

For someone whose life is filled with art, a celebration of life can carry that creativity forward. For someone else, it may be their humor, their activism, their love of nature, or the way they always made people feel welcome. Getting to know those things is one of the most meaningful parts of helping someone plan.

And then there was a little Philadelphia connection! When we connected on LinkedIn, i discovered that Phyllis attended the Philadelphia College of Art. In high school, i attended the Performing Arts School of Philadelphia on South Broad in the 80s. I believe there was some connection between those schools as the arts education scene in Philly evolved over the years – what a small world for us to connect here in Central Florida, our paths connecting through the Orlando Business Network!

I’m always grateful when someone trusts me with a conversation about preplanning. These are personal, important discussions, and it is an honor to be invited into them.

Yesterday, i also got to spend time with someone whose creativity and care for others inspired me. I came to help her explore possibilities, and i left with a little more appreciation for the possibilities around me.

That’s a pretty wonderful bonus of the job.

To explore Phyllis’s artwork or connect with her about group classes and one-on-one instruction, visit Pannet Art Studio. Perhaps you’ll discover a little more of your own creativity along the way.

To explore unique ways to celebrate a life and plan ahead for final arrangements, contact me (Tee) at 407-608-9242.

t & Pannet: