Expressing Gratitude for Art: Nunn Design’s Legacy

**Originally shared Nov 23, 2023, this story continues to capture the heart of our mission at Nunn Design. We’re re-sharing it as we reflect on gratitude and creativity this season.**

Expressing Gratitude for Art: Nunn Design’s Legacy

Upon my last day of attending design school in Seattle, Washington, in the mid-1980s, I knew that I needed to create a business card and letterhead in order to venture out into the world and gain employment. I had the good fortune throughout my schooling to be on a full work scholarship that provided me with unlimited classes and a small studio space in exchange for working in the school’s office and being on call for all sorts of odd jobs.

It was in the office of the school that I sat at an electric typewriter, the technology of that time in the mid-1980s. I inserted a piece of crisp white paper into the typewriter’s rollers, manually rolled the paper into place, and snapped down the metal bar that held the sheet tight against the rollers. I sat there, staring at the paper, waiting for inspiration to come.

A Spiritual Foundation

I’m not sure where I first learned this practice of sitting and waiting. Throughout my life, having been raised Catholic, I had been immersed in the world of the mysteries of God. I was born into the world of guardian angels that I prayed to at night to watch over me while I slept. These concepts were part of my spiritual lineage. From my earliest of memories, my life was a series of impressions that formed my beliefs. Being guided and watched over was one of those beliefs that was embedded into my psyche and supported me throughout my early childhood years.

A Message from Within

Back at the typewriter, inspiration was absent. All I could think was, I need a job, I need work. I need to exchange my life’s energy for food, clothing, travel, and fun, and I need to type it out right now.

Nothing.

Eventually, I closed my eyes and said, “OK guys, help me out here. What should I put on this piece of paper?”

I settled in to wait, and then it came. It was clear. It was definite.

“And the angel looked down upon the child and said, go forth and touch others through your art.”

I sat there, blinking. All sorts of justifications were passing through my mind. I found myself lobbying hard to not hear that thought. To not type those words. To not commit. I justified why I couldn’t put that thought down on paper.

Resistance and Trust

“It is way too long to put on a letterhead and a business card!”

“I really don’t want to look religious. I want a job, not to be judged.”

“Really guys? I’m being serious.”

But the thought inside my head was persistent. “You asked, and that is the answer.”

I’m not clear what made me decide to trust the message. Maybe I just wanted to be done and move on. I don’t believe so. Somehow, even then, I knew that I was destined to follow that path.

I typed what came to me and it was committed to paper. I found a black and white image of a carved marble cherub within one of my clipart books, and I was officially in business. I had my first business card and letterhead printed, and in hand.

Gratitude for the Journey

I am so very grateful that I listened to that inner voice so many years ago in the office of that design school. That one small action gave me the courage to build the community we have here at Nunn Design. It is my honor and life’s work to be in service to so many artisans and makers around the globe. All of us who are united in our commitment to bring forth beauty and “touch others through our art.”

I am grateful that I heard my calling.

I am grateful that you have yours too.

A Thanksgiving Wish

I wish each and every one of you a wonderful, beautiful life.

All my love,
– Becky

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