Yesterday marks the two month point of me leaving my position as Graphic Artist at Boulder’s “Mighty Pearl” Whole Foods Market, and venturing out on my own – not as a graphic artist/designer, or even an illustrator, but as a painter. Which, in an economy like this, and being the sole provider for my wife and two young children, could be viewed by any sane person as a financial catastrophe in waiting.

I could say that the choice was easy – but, it was more like one of those “choiceless choices”. I just had to do what I had to do. The sacrifice of leaving 350 awesome co-workers, stepping out of a company with a conscience, even letting go of my discount card and a healthy paycheck – all of this was possible only because of the path I was embarking upon. “Taking the next step into my ever-bigger life”, is the phrase that kept coming to me. Full of risks, plump with the unknown, ripe with opportunity.

Going nearly six weeks without a paycheck was a challenge. Stories of friends being laid-off, and unable to find new work, abounded. I would lay in bed many a night, fear washing through me. I certainly experienced my share of cold-sweat anxiety. But underneath this, the current of my vision still ran strong: I was embarking on a journey to paint one thousand paintings, one thousand views of God.

And I wasn’t going it alone. Support from family, old friends, new friends, even those I was meeting for the first time. When I expressed my vision, it was met with enthusiasm, again and again. And yesterday marked a huge moment for celebration (see below), bearing the fruits of my original vision, and all the support I’ve received.

What follows is a short and by no means all-inclusive list of those who have supported and encouraged me, and challenged me in my weaker moments. This has truly been a collective effort, and I am deeply humbled and lit up when I reflect on all that has transpired in the past two months.

Amber Dawn Widom: My wife, my best friend, my lover, and my most honest challenger to my oh-so-clever shadow-self. Without you, I may very well be back at the Boulder Public Library café, doodling t-shirt designs for pennies, crouching low in the corner, hoping to be seen, hoping to remain hidden. You light me up, illumine the path ahead, and then walk that path, by my side. The deepest gratitude.

Casey Capshaw: My kick-ass website designer/technician/wizard, who has put up with a barrage of near-impossible requests in the course of creating this website. And your passion early on to support me in my work was instrumental; I have no doubt you could lead an army of thousands.

My Men’s Group: A wildly powerful and conscious group of men. Your challenges, and your support, forged the steel that became the sword.

Corey deVos and Angie Hinickle, of IntegralLife.com: The new Integral Life Art Gallery that you debuted yesterday is gorgeous. Both the execution, and the vision that drives it. I’m thrilled that Art is taking its deserved place in the Integral scene, and I’m filled with joy to be a part of it.

Gwen Bell: My “Social Media Fairy Princess”. Used to be that when I’d think of twitter, I’d choke on feathers. And facebook was a hefty text better left closed. Tightly. But with your insight and direction, I’m stepping out of the cave so familiar to many artists, into the world of social media, effectively “bringing my work to the world”.

Deepesh Faucheux: My therapist of nearly six months. Encouraged by Robert McNaughton‘s statement, “Therapy is for healthy people!” I jumped in, and haven’t regretted a moment. More healthy, more whole, more clarity, more vitality.

Koen and Mina: My two kids (4.5 and nearly 2, respectively). What joy. Having witnessed your births, and the years that have followed, gives me faith that any vision can become a reality, with enough care, love, and commitment.

My Team Members from Whole Foods Market: Two years ago, I was struggling to support my family. Once I joined the WFM team, I not only received a steady paycheck, but also received a bounty of friendships, which would carry me through the next two years. From those of you at the store level and the regional office: thank you.

Stuart Davis: I’ve only listened to the first ten minutes of our audio dialogue, through which I was mostly cracking up. I love your driven-by-curiosity mind, and had such a blast in the taping. Big appreciation for the insight and ever-invaluable humor you brought to the table.

My Mom & Dad: A myriad of support, in so so many ways. Your generosity and encouragement are both huge, and hugely meaningful.

And many more, which I’d list, but – it’s time to get back to painting!

One last thing: I mentioned yesterday being a milestone. The Integral Life Art Gallery debuted, and I am featured as their first artist. You can:

• read Corey’s insightful blog, “The Rebirth of Cool”
• view The Gallery
• read an Integral Art Critique of 1000 Views of God (below the Gallery) given by Michael Schwartz of Augusta University
• listen to a dialogue with me and Stuart Davis (to listen, you’ll need a Premium Membership to IntegralLife.com – which I can’t recommend highly enough)

Again, huge thanks to all who have helped make this possible – which includes countless others not listed above.

In gratitude,

Bryce.