So, what's your background? I often refer to myself as a runaway executive turned creative advocate. I studied art in college and continue to take classes today. I began teaching arts and crafts in 1986 as a way to relieve stress and get away from my current project at the time. (It was politics and that's a long story for another time). Ten years later, I left my position as regional manager for a computer consulting firm and began to slowly simplify and rebuild my life. I studied The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron and began to realize that I didn't want to be more creative, I HAD to be more creative.
Where do you teach? I enjoy teaching locally in South Florida and I travel most frequently for Scrapbook Dream Vacations, local stores in Virginia and with Spellbinders to national events like CHA, Great American Scrapbook Convention, etc.
I came "off the road" in 2004 to do more art for my sake and to work as Purveyor of Inspiration for the Paperie, a local scrapbook store. After the hurricanes in fall 2004, the store closed and I needed to devote the majority of my time rebuilding our hurricane ravaged home.
During 2006 and 2007 I served as a design team member for Spellbinders Paper Arts, LLC. This position involved designing arwork on deadline and to specifications monthly plus creating designs for advertising, tradeshows, and workshops. I also assisted in creating their national training program "Wizard Academy."
Although asked to return for 2008, I have decided to move forward to find more design, teaching, and publication projects.
How would you describe your style? My personal style leans toward the stylized contemporary genre. The words funky, humorous, whimsical, and even shiny are often heard around my work. But that's my own work. When I design and teach, I work the with client's style specifications. There are password protected "audition" portfolios on my web site if you'd like to view them--just write me for the password.
Where do you get all those ideas and projects? I spend a great deal of time researching and experimenting with new products and techniques. I'm influenced by different sources like online art groups, local scrap and stamp clubs, my creative friends and family members, and often by the books I'm reading or the music I'm listening to at the moment.
May we see a resume? Here's a very basic resume, there are areas I can elaborate on as they meet your needs:
What is your educational and cultural background? I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA. I also have graduate level management courses through a certificate program at University of Maryland. In 2003 I completed Ranger University's instructor certification program and as of 2007 I am a certified Wizard Academy Professor. In 1999 I completed the course work for a Masters of Divinity through an online university out of Phoenix and I am an ordained minister as well.
I am the fortunate daughter of Rev. Norman S. Chattin and Bernice B. Chattin. I was raised in small towns all over Virginia as we moved every four years for my father's ministry. My mother, grandmother, and other extended family members have been a huge influence on my art through the years. Most of my extended family are artists in their own rights.
FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions
Where's the "for general consumption" biography?
Norma Anne Chattin, A.K.A. The Artful Tourist, lives as an artist, designer, and writer in South Florida.
Her artwork and articles have been published in national magazines, featured in art galleries, and as advertising samples for major companies. Her workshops, seminars, and classes have been offered all over the country and she is equally comfortable in front of two or two hundred. Norma Anne has a considerable amount of on-camera experience including featured regular guest on talk shows and local news programs. She is currently on the National Design Team for Spellbinders Paper Arts, LLC (term ends Dec. 2008) where she has also been featured spokesperson in a training video.
While working with a vast array of materials and mediums her current focus includes collage, legacy art, rubber stamp art and journals. Reoccurring themes in Norma Anne's art and workshops include art for everyday people and personal growth and discovery through the creative process.
Living in an estate-trailer park style, Norma Anne shares her life with her gallant fiancé Sir Henry Verlander and two adorable Jack Russell Dogs, Drexel and Daisy. They are all hoping to attend the wedding set for 08.08.08. She works out of a sunny in-home studio filled with her painted furniture and lots of artwork from friends and family for inspiration.
Mission Statement: I am a creativity tour guide. I assist others with enjoying more of the world's abundance by thinking, living, acting, and being creative. I'll assist you in unlocking your personal potential for a healthy, abundant, meaningful lifestyle.
