Today we’d like to introduce you to Cornelia Haymes.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cornelia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Born in Romania during the communist era, I didn’t have the luxury to choose what my future will be. It was a small and secluded place the town I was born in with no opportunities for a child to ever have real dreams come true.
I loved to dance but there was no place to pursue or encourage that dream, where I lived.
I wanted to learn how to ice-skate and the only ice one could skate on , was on the sidewalks during the winter.
I thought myself to swim in the waters of the Danube river at an early age… six or seven, I can’t remember exactly now, because we had no swimming pool in town.
My father pasted away when I was only thirteen.
He was the pillar of our family and my idol and losing him was a very traumatic moment in my childhood.
He was a photographer. I grew up in the dark room, developing the film and running the photos trough the whole process. He taught me to do touch ups on the black and white photos so they look better. Maybe that had something to do with my art skills, I don’t know. One thing is for sure, he taught me to be strong and believe in myself.
He was a big reader and enjoyed documentary films. I loved going with him to the late night shows to watch and learn about our Planet and the Universe. I remember leaving dreaming of what’s out there in space and the wonders that might exist and asking him a million questions.
From him, I learned to love and respect other creatures, hence, my love for animals and nature.
In 1987, I escaped Romania by swimming across the same old river where, as a child, I have learned to swim.
In 1988, I arrived in America and so, another chapter in my life was set in motion.
My first job here was cleaning offices downtown. I worked at night and went to ESL classes during the day. Once my English was better, I went to technical school while still cleaning in the evenings. Life was very busy all of a sudden.
In my mind, painting and making art was always something that I was going to do when I retire.
In 2008, a friend gave me a gift set of brushes, acrylic paints, and a few canvas boards. Everything else is history.
Creating is the most pleasurable form of relaxation for me. I use colors to express my feelings. I like to play and combine multiple colors to convert the happiness or a multitude of feelings in one single piece of artwork.
I paint on canvas, paper, and glass.
Most of my work does not have a specific shape or form although I have tried realistic painting also. As a human, I appreciate the Mother Nature and the universe that surrounds us. My love and care for them are expressed in some of my paintings.
Take as an example the painting I entitled “Light and peace”. The calm relaxing of the pink represents peace and affection. It is the feeling one has when they feel the warmth of the serene illumination of the mind and body.
“The lost city”, another one of my favorite creations, is a reminder of what we have and what we could lose if we do not pay attention to the effects our civilization has on the planet and the impact and the consequences of our actions.
“Spinning” – this is what it feels like when you are in love.
Winter in the backyard” a painting I have done during a class I took, is a reminder of climate change and what will happen to our world if we do not take action to stop it.
I also enjoy painting animals and flowers, to bring awareness of their major roll in our ecosystem.
In 2015, I became actively involved with sterilizations in countries with a huge stray dog population. That was also the moment I decided to sell my art, so I can raise money and be able to help as many dogs and cats as I can. Everything I sell goes towards the cause.
I believe in sharing the world and taking good care of our planet, for it is our ONLY home. Keep it clean, so it does grow green and share it with all the creatures that exist. They give us the beauty that we enjoy and our life would not be the same without them…
I can’t imagine a world with no trees nor water, flowers, animals, birds… if we would be the only inhabitants of the planet and all around us would be emptiness, nothing else, would our art be the same? Would our creative imagination be able to come up with anything? Would we even have an imagination? I sincerely doubt it!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Art for me is a hobby, not a way of making a living. I have a full-time job and create in my free time.
Between job, family and five pets, I don’t always have as much free time as I would like to dedicate to art. I dream of the days when I retire and have all the free time in the world.
I also feel a little pressure now, since I start selling to help my dogs and cats sterilization cause. Creating art that will sell easier and selling it, it’s a little stressful for me. Selling is not something I’m good at.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Art On Glass & More – what should we know?
Most of my work is done on glass. I paint on wine glasses, coffee mugs, candle holders, vases, anything smaller in size that can be affordable and make a great gift for any occasion.
I also do commission work.
A lot of my friends call me for special orders. I have painted their pets on coffee mugs… hahaha… made a wedding or special occasion gifts for their loved ones.
I use food and dishwasher safe paint on tableware products.
I’m not sure I’m running a business, its more like a fundraiser, I would say. I am most proud of my achievements for the last two years. From the selling of my art and some donations, with the help of my best friend and partner from Germany, Jolanda, we were able to have 482 stray dogs and cats sterilized. We also managed to pay veterinary costs for many street animals in need of treatments.
I don’t know of a more rewarding thing in life than helping someone in need. I am happy to be able to use my skills to do this…
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My husband, Chuck, deserves a medal. He puts up with my exorbitant art supplies spendings ( I never have enough supplies ) and our house being turned into a studio… hahaha…
In all these years, he never questioned me about anything and believes in me and what I do. I consider myself lucky to have him as a partner in life.
I also need to give credit to my kids, Eveline and Luis. They always encouraged me to paint and helped me with the house chores so I could have enough time to do it.
There is one friend I should mention here, Carmen Sauciuc. She gave me that little art starter kit as a present and by doing so, she set me up on a new path in life.
I have many friends that help me but two of them are special, Ann Tassone and Diana Racean. They are my biggest supporters and clients. They know what I do is for a purpose and make a point of purchasing all their gifts from me.
There is another person I respect and I’m happy to call a friend, Sarita Kamat. She encourages me to not give up and always has the nicest things to say. Positive people are priceless and the best friends to have around.
Contact Info:
- Email: ArtonGlassnMore@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtOnGlassGifts
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
