The Power of Art, Connecting Us All

"Art is a universal language, a true reflection of emotions that transcends cultural boundaries."

At MEEDEN, we believe that every artist has a story to tell and that every brushstroke is a part of their unique journey. Through our MEEDEN Share Your Story campaign, we’ve witnessed how art transforms lives. Whether it's healing, personal growth, or pursuing dreams, art has the power to change. These incredible stories continue to inspire us and show how art can bring healing, hope, and joy.

Noah Gregory: From Scribbles to Tattoos

"From the time I was a baby, I watched my dad draw. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting beside him, mesmerized as he sketched and did mechanical drawings and blueprints with effortless precision. I’d grab a pencil, scribbling on scraps of paper, hoping to capture even a fraction of the magic I saw in his hands. He never pushed me to follow in his footsteps, but the spark was there—it always had been.

As a child, I drew constantly. My hands were always smudged with charcoal, my notebooks filled with portraits. I knew I had natural talent, but I refused to rely on it alone. In my teenage years, I studied every technique I could find, experimenting with different mediums. I was fascinated with drawing eyes and kept notebook after notebook of them. By my twenties, I had mastered portrait drawing, bringing emotions to life with every stroke. Watercolor became my escape, fluid and unpredictable, while charcoal allowed me to create deep, dramatic expressions.

Then, I discovered tattooing. The idea of making art permanent thrilled me, and soon, my work wasn’t just on paper—it was on skin. My reputation grew, and my art spoke for itself, capturing souls in ink, paint, and pencil.

Now, at 48, I’ve accomplished so much, yet my greatest dream remains: to share my work with the world. I want to inspire others, to show aspiring artists that talent is just the beginning—that dedication and passion make all the difference.

I see myself as an influencer, using TikTok and social media to reach as many people as possible. With each post, each video, I hope to connect, to tell my story, to prove that art isn’t just something you do—it’s who you are. And now, it’s time for me to share that gift with the world."

Timothy Colomer: From the Battlefield to the Canvas

"Art found me when I needed it most. As a Marine Corps veteran and former bomb squad technician, I’ve faced the kind of challenges that leave invisible wounds. After surviving multiple blasts and living with PTSD and TBI, I struggled to find a way to process everything I had experienced. That’s when I turned to painting.

At first, it was just an outlet—something to quiet the chaos in my mind. But as I put brush to canvas, I realized that art wasn’t just a form of expression; it was a lifeline. Every stroke became a conversation with myself, a way to translate emotions I couldn’t put into words. My work explores themes of resilience, trauma, and healing, aiming to give voice to experiences many veterans struggle to articulate.

The road hasn’t been easy. Learning the technical aspects of painting while battling cognitive challenges was frustrating. But every breakthrough, whether mastering color theory or refining my technique, felt like reclaiming a part of myself. Quality materials have made all the difference, and I appreciate how MEEDEN products support artists like me with reliable, professional-grade supplies. The right tools allow me to create with confidence, helping me bring my vision to life.

Today, my mission as an artist is clear: to tell stories that matter, to spark conversations, and to help others see the world through a different lens. Art has changed my life, and I hope my work does the same for others."

Sherri Fredrick: Overcoming Adversity Through Art

"I've been creating since I could wrap my tiny hand around a crayon or pencil. Always sketching and coloring. It was my therapy & sanctuary from a very dark growing up. Throughout my school life, i was always in my Art class/es, taking all that I could through HS. Since I had most my classes done my senior year I dived further into creating to evolve more as an artist and try new things. I hit heavy in bad life choice for about 17years and stopped creating altogether, as well. Finally, one day, I had some random acrylic Paints a canvas a friend gave to me. Mind you, I hated my HS painting classes cause I wanted to explore and create what I thought we'd be doing. Well, I just started painting!

I've always been extremely shy about showing my artwork, usually sketches and charcoal I did, and decided to suck it up and have more faith in myself. I started posting my journey on FB and got so much support and feedback! Sold pieces, had commission work granted to me, started selling on Poshmark all over the US etc.. well I needed a good sturdy H Frame easel and could barely afford one so found a knock off of one that I found at some online art store. It wasn't my main dream easel tho. I wanted something that went Horizontal & Vertical due to my disabilities & how it's easier for me to paint. Well long story short, I was able to finally make my dream easel come true because of YOU, MEEDEN! I got a great deal and oh WOWOWOWOW it's perfect in every way! I was in happy tears. I'm so obsessed with it lol it's amazing and you guys outdid yourself. Thank you for allowing this little art weirdo get her dream come true!"

mgartalchemy: Turning Grief into Healing Through Art

"I started my art journey in the summer of 2021 just five months after the death of my mother. I was at home mourning the loss of my mother when the Veterans Education gave me an opportunity to learn a skill in another field. I decided to pick up art history so my journey began there. In the fall of 2021, I enrolled in beginning drawing. Nervous would be an understatement to say the least. I was able to gain the proper skills but it was very challenging. My first studio art class. During my Christmas break I decided to pick up the brush and began to paint watercolors...one stroke and I was hooked!

The following semester I had to take another studio class so I enrolled in beginner painting, to my surprise it was an oil painting course. At the time I did not know what would lie ahead so I kept investing in artist grade supplies and kept experimenting and mixing some of my mediums. Last fall I took the intermediate oil painting class and it was so satisfying to paint in oil then also mix it with acrylics. I am happy that a tragedy brought me to do art as a therapeutic outlet as I heal my mother's departure. I am going to incorporate my art skills with Spanish Language as a future teacher! This was my journey and I love it as the first day, I love experimenting with different mediums!"