Something New is Taking Shape: The Beginning of a Meaningful Journey

For months now—maybe even years—I’ve felt this tug. A quiet whisper saying, It’s time. Not just to keep doing the work I know how to do, but to stretch a little further. To start something new that brings together all I’ve learned, all I’ve lived, and all I still hope to share. I don’t have it all figured out—but I know this: I’m ready to make a new kind of mark. And I’d love for you to come along with me as it begins.

The Messy Beginning is the Most Important One
It’s easy to get stuck thinking we need a perfect plan before we begin. I’ve learned that the real magic happens when we just start—when we trust the nudge and take the first step. I picked up my first paintbrush with a 59-cent watercolor set and no idea where it would lead. That first act changed my life. Whatever your brush looks like, maybe today is the day to pick it up.

Your Mark Might Be Closer Than You Think
So many people tell me, “I wish I could do something meaningful like you.” But here’s the truth: you already are. Every time you encourage someone, solve a problem, create a moment of beauty—you’re making your mark. The key isn’t waiting for some grand opportunity. It’s seeing the everyday moments for what they are: invitations to shape the world around you.

The Story Isn’t Finished Yet
This is the part I’m still writing—literally. I’m beginning a new book project, and while the content is unfolding clearly, the title is still taking shape. At the core of my work is a message I’ve shared for years through my keynote programs: The ART of Making a Difference. It’s a title rooted in purpose and service. But recently, another phrase has captured my attention: Make Your Mark. It feels personal. Bold. Inviting.

In many ways, these ideas are two sides of the same coin. They both reflect a desire to live with purpose, to inspire others, and to leave something meaningful behind. But I’d love your help in deciding how best to frame this next chapter.

🎨 This Is Where You Come In
I want to invite you to walk this journey with me—from blank page to bound book. But even more than that, I want your voice to shape it.

Which title speaks to you more?

• The ART of Making a Difference – Reflects a life and message grounded in using our gifts for impact

• Make Your Mark – A fresh invitation for readers to take bold, personal action in their own lives

Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments or reply directly. Your feedback means the world to me. This book is not just about my journey—it’s about our shared desire to do something that matters

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On the Shoulders of Giants: The People Who Lifted Me Higher

Every masterpiece has an underpainting-those first strokes of color and shadow that provide a foundation for what's to come. The same is true of a life. As I reflect on my journey-through seasons of success, struggle, and surprising turns-I see clearly the quiet influences who shaped the man and artist I've become. None of us get here alone.

I want to honor three men whose belief, guidance, and even rivalry gave me the lift I needed when my feet were unsteady, and my dreams uncertain.

Bob Carey - The Entrepreneurial Brother Who Believed
Bob is my half-brother, ten years older, and without
a doubt one of the earliest champions of my talent. Where others saw a hobby, Bob saw a calling-and more than that, a business. He didn't just cheer
from the sidelines; he invested in my vision.

He bought pieces, commissioned works, and modeled what it meant to build something with both grit and grace. He showed me that passion could be turned into profession, and his entrepreneurial spirit became a quiet blueprint for how I could shape my own path. Most importantly, he showed me what the spirit of being an entrepreneur truly looks like-visionary, daring, and committed.

David Grimes - The Lifeline in a Time of Loss
After my early success came a devastating bankruptcy-a humbling chapter I rarely share, but one that taught me more than any triumph ever could. In that valley, David Grimes extended a hand. He owned Potpourri Press, a local company not tied to the fine art world but to commercial creativity. David saw potential in me beyond the gallery walls.

He opened a door into publishing and product design, offering not just a paycheck, but perspective. From him I learned the value of versatility-your talent doesn't have to be confined to one box, and that survival sometimes births new vision. But David did more than open doors-he led me to the Lord, grounding my faith and giving me a deeper compass to guide both my life and career.

Bob Timberlake - The Friendly Rival Who Lit a Fire
I've never told Bob this, but in many ways, he lit a fire in me. Already a household name, Bob had achieved the kind of brand recognition most artists only dream of. While we weren't close, he was always just ahead-like a runner you can see in the distance who pushes you to pick up your pace.

His ability to leverage art into a multifaceted brand challenged me to dream bigger. Yes, I was jealous at times-but it was a good jealousy. It motivated me to refine, expand, and rise. Without knowing it, he gave me something every artist needs: a rival worth chasing. Having a healthy rival keeps you sharp, pushes you beyond complacency, and challenges you to not just be good-but to be your very best.

If you're reading this, I invite you to pause and ask yourself: Whose shoulders did I stand on? Who believed in you before the spotlight? Who offered you opportunity when you had little to offer back? Who inspired you-by kindness, generosity, or even competition-to become more than you thought you could?

Take a moment today to honor them-write a note, share a memory, or simply whisper a silent thank you. Gratitude has a way of grounding us in humility while lifting others in return. Success is never a solo act. It's a symphony of belief, encouragement, and example-played by those who saw something in you before the world did.

A Painter's Journey to Augusta National: Azaleas and Second Chances

It was supposed to be a birdie.

Two solid shots left me 125 yards out on the 13th hole at Augusta National—arguably one of the most breathtaking stretches in golf. With my pitching wedge in hand, I envisioned a smooth swing, a little spin, and maybe a moment of glory at Amen Corner. But instead, I watched the ball turn over sharply and disappear into a dense bed of azaleas.

What could’ve been the most embarrassing moment of the round became one I’ll never forget. As I stepped through those blooming azaleas to find my ball, I stumbled onto a view of the hole that took my breath away. It was a perspective most players never see—and for me, it became the spark behind one of my most iconic golf paintings: Azalea No. 13.

Funny how a misstep can lead you exactly where you were meant to go.

Three Lessons from the Azaleas

1. Opportunities Don’t Always Arrive Polished.
That errant shot could’ve ended the day in frustration. Instead, it opened a window to something greater—a new view, a new story, and a new direction for my art. Many of life’s breakthroughs arrive disguised as setbacks.

2. Preparation Meets the Unexpected.
I wasn’t invited to Augusta on a whim. My years of capturing the spirit of the Greensboro Open and the landscapes of North Carolina had caught the attention of Blake Clark, a member of both Augusta National and Greensboro Country Club. When he extended the invitation, I was ready—because I’d done the work long before the spotlight appeared.

3. Embrace the Detours.
If I’d stayed on the fairway, I would’ve missed the view that became Azalea No. 13. Life often leads us off-course for a reason. What looks like a wrong turn might just be the vantage point we need to see something extraordinary.

Today, that double bogey remains one of the most pivotal moments of my career—not just because of the painting, but because it opened doors to become an official artist for the Masters, and later, to share that journey on stages around the country.

If you're a meeting planner looking for an authentic keynote speaker, this is just one of the real-life moments I share in my programs. As a motivational speaker on making a difference, I don’t bring theory—I bring lived experience, brushstrokes of purpose, and moments like these that inspire people to reflect and respond in their own lives.

Whether I’m standing behind a canvas or a podium, I show audiences how beauty, resilience, and meaning can be found—even in the missed shots.

Flip the Canvas: Fresh Perspectives for Business Success

In my studio, multiple paintings often come to life simultaneously. It might seem counterintuitive, but some of my greatest creative breakthroughs occur when I flip a painting upside down or view it through a mirror. These unconventional methods instantly highlight hidden nuances and overlooked details.

Recently, when I created the "Most Original" winning design in Boom's Supersonic livery contest, this innovative technique proved pivotal. Regularly turning my work upside down and using a mirror provided fresh insights, allowing me to identify adjustments I would have otherwise missed. When I shared this simple yet transformative idea at a recent conference, industry experts and fellow professional speakers expressed genuine amazement at how effectively this accessible strategy enhances creative problem-solving.

Meeting planners, association leaders, and entrepreneurs alike can significantly benefit from applying this "flip-the-canvas" philosophy. Often in business, we cling tightly to initial impressions and quick judgments. Yet, adopting intentional shifts in viewpoint can unlock powerful and innovative solutions, reshaping organizational strategy, enhancing team building, and refining customer service.

Challenge Your First Impression: Initial reactions can be deceptive, especially in leadership and business strategy. Stepping back and reevaluating situations through alternative lenses uncovers hidden opportunities and challenges limiting beliefs, enhancing motivation and effectiveness in event planning.

Find Balance Through Fresh Eyes: Just as a painting viewed directly might seem unbalanced, marketing strategies, corporate responsibility initiatives, and customer service approaches crafted from a single perspective can misalign with their goals. Incorporating diverse viewpoints ensures clarity, balance, and overall business success.

Embrace Creative Problem-Solving: Innovation thrives beyond traditional boundaries. When business leaders and meeting planners face challenges, metaphorically flipping the problem upside down encourages creative and unconventional approaches that typical thinking might overlook, boosting motivation and entrepreneurial spirit.

Technology and innovation constantly reshape industries, making adaptability crucial. By flipping perspectives regularly, businesses foster a dynamic culture that embraces change and innovation.

When feeling stuck or uncertain, remember to flip your perspective. This message isn't just for the general public; meeting planners and associations can leverage this powerful concept as an inspiring theme for their next event or conference, fostering meaningful dialogue and empowering attendees to innovate and excel.

The Art of Remembering Where You Come From

"Remember where you come from and how it used to be." Those simple yet profound words from my Aunt Kate have shaped not only my life but also one of the most significant creative endeavors of my career—Carolina Preserves.

Twenty-five years ago, this coffee table book became more than just a collection of paintings and reflections. It became a tribute to the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural icons of North Carolina. Through the voices of 48 remarkable individuals—from Billy Graham to Michael Jordan—woven alongside my artwork, Carolina Preserves captured the soul of our state, preserving its beauty for future generations. It stands as a reminder that places matter, history is worth cherishing, and each of us has the ability to create something that leaves a lasting impact.

But this isn’t just about my journey as an artist. It’s about the power of taking what you love—your passion, your skills, your experiences—and turning them into something that matters.

What Carolina Preserves Teaches Us About Using Our Talents for Good

Your Passion Can Become a Movement
Aunt Kate’s preserves were more than jars of fruit; they were a symbol of tradition and heritage. Inspired by that, I took my love for art and storytelling and created a book that connected people to their roots. No matter your profession—whether you're in business, education, healthcare, or community service—you have the ability to use what you do best to create something that brings people together.

Collaboration Multiplies Impact
Carolina Preserves wasn't just my vision. It became a collection of voices from across the state—leaders, athletes, and visionaries—who shared their reflections on North Carolina. When you bring others into your mission, it grows beyond what you could have imagined alone. Who can you partner with to amplify your ideas?

A Simple Idea Can Lead to Something Extraordinary
What started as a memory of my aunt’s pantry turned into the best-selling coffee table book of 2000, led to North Carolina’s first high-definition documentary, and attracted corporate sponsorship from Bank of America. All of this came from a simple idea that I pursued with passion and perseverance. What’s that idea you’ve been sitting on? What’s stopping you from bringing it to life?

What’s Your Carolina Preserves?
I often hear people say, “I’m not an artist.” That doesn’t matter. Creativity isn’t just about painting or writing—it’s about vision. It’s about recognizing what you love, what matters to you, and finding a way to share it with the world.

So, I challenge you: What’s your version of Carolina Preserves? What’s the story, idea, or passion that only you can bring to life? Our greatest legacies aren’t built by waiting for the perfect moment. They’re created when we dare to act.

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