From Walks to Words: Art in the Unexpected

The Art of Noticing Life’s Hidden Beauty

Introduction

Some artists paint, some write, and some take photographs—Janice Stanley does all three, weaving them together into something uniquely her own. She calls herself a “Poetographer,” a title that captures her gift for blending imagery and verse, specifically Poetry Photography, to highlight the beauty often overlooked in everyday life.

Artistic Origins:

Vicki: “Can you share a story of what drew you to your chosen medium and how your artistic journey began?”

Janice: I loved to draw and explore from an early age. When I was young, I spent hours wandering in the fields and woods by our house. At home, I was either drawing, reading or dreaming up imaginary games to play, creating haunted houses in our garage, or putting on shows with the neighborhood kids.

Pivotal Moments:

Vicki: “Is there a pivotal moment or experience in your life that influenced your art?”

Janice: Art was the logical choice of study for me when I went to college. Besides improving my technical skills, two classes, in particular, taught my eyes and brain how to “see” – Design and Photography. I think my greatest strength is the ability to find beauty in the most interesting places.

Creative Process:

Vicki: “Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you transform an initial idea into a finished piece?”

Janice: As an adult, after raising four kids, I got to live in a condo at the edge of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for ten years. My dog, Andie, and my iPhone went with me on my Morning Walks and I got into the habit of posting a daily photo. At first, I paired the photos with inspirational quotes that I found. Eventually, I started to use my own words. Since I feel that my purpose is to encourage people, not preach to them, poetry became a way of doing that. I like to call myself a Poetographer.

Meaningful Creations:

Vicki: “Is there a piece you’ve created that is particularly meaningful to you? What’s the story behind it?”

Janice: My poems are mostly autobiographical, inspired by what I am experiencing while out in nature. I get up early and write Morning Pages, which are 3 handwritten, stream of consciousness pages that I write, in pen, into a spiral bound notebook. I started doing that years ago after reading Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way. Morning Pages help to clear out the cobwebs, release toxic thoughts and receive answers to questions. I then spend 30 minutes at my writing desk, working on poems.

A quote by author Anne Tyler prompted me to start this practice:

“By now I know not to expect ‘inspiration’. It’s more a matter of going into my writing room at the same time everyday, sitting in the same chair, and trusting that mere routine will somehow see me through.” Routine is key for me.

Future Aspirations:

Vicki: “Looking forward, what are your aspirations or dreams for your future as an artist?”

Janice: When I head out on my walks, I never know what image will capture my attention to become that day’s social media post. I just trust God to lead me to it and He always does.

Vicki: “Is there anything else you’d like to share about your art, experiences, or perspectives we haven’t covered?”

Janice: Like almost everyone, I have grieved the loss of some beautiful people in my life due to suicide. When I wrote “To Whom It May Concern,” it was in remembrance of them – the gift of hope I wish I could have given them while they were still here.

When I wake up, I repeat this Declaration: “I greet each day with enthusiasm, curiosity and gratitude, grounded in faith and guided by God. I joyfully celebrate Life in all of its stages, pick up my cross, and walk my path as a woman of courage and grace”.

Find You:

Vicki: “How can someone contact you to purchase your art?”

Janice: You can find my work on my website, JaniceStanley.com. I try to post daily on my Instagram and Facebook pages. For the past couple of years, I have put together a monthly calendar of my photos and words. I am currently collaborating with a friend on my first book, a collection of my photography and poetry along with her illustrations, titled The Audacity of Trees and Other Poems, coming out sometime in 2025. I’m also still working my day job, which is helping people buy and sell houses, with my husband, Chris, as part of The Stanley Team. It’s another way I share my gifts as a creative and encourager. I’m good at helping people love and appreciate the homes they have while visualizing and finding the homes of their dreams.

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