Jan Rankin is an artist and the founder of For the Love of Art.
My younger self and I agreed a very long time ago that fairy tales were bunk, and the most important thing I need to embrace is the practice of “next!” Striving to assess and let go of the people, things, and circumstances that make me truly unhappy, or are not best for me, and open up my life to that “next” person, thing, or circumstance. Embracing “What’s next?” anticipating that next step, idea, adventure, brushstroke, person, opportunity, or next meal with zeal and fortitude.
The first true experience of “what’s next” became clear when I became a widow at 26 years old. “Next” does not mean that everything is in place and ready, but there is a direction to head toward. On this day, I am becoming 64, and my younger self is not interested in hearing from me or wanting me to glance in that rearview mirror, as she is far more interested in facing forward, staying grounded in the present, and thinking about my future. We both are.
As a true multipotentialite, I have accumulated a grocery list of careers over the years all fascinating and challenging in their own ways. Highlights include bartending and some form of sales leapfrogging over the years from shoes to travel agent to a licensed realtor. In my foray back to school in my late 30’s as a single mom of two little boys, I earned my certification in Early Childhood Education which eventually evolved into a Bachelor of Social Work and a decade as a child protection worker. These days, I am involved in learning the high-end roofing trade alongside my husband of 16 years, George. Somehow, we managed to succeed in becoming a blended family with 4 very different boys.
My greatest joy is developing my artistic chops as an artist. Being lucky enough to be living in beautiful British Columbia and embracing my love of nature and the outdoors, I am afforded endless breathtaking inspiration. My art journey is opening many fantastic opportunities including this amazing project, Pursuit:365, ROAM Gallery, and a partnership with Arts Off Main in East Vancouver. And the very best is being the founder and organizer of FOR THE LOVE OF ART IN SOUTH DELTA formed to promote artists in my own community. The concept is to bring together, in one place, the diverse talents, and creativity of fine artists and artisans in a beautiful historic setting. A casually elegant event now in its 3rd year. It’s exciting to think of all the potential of “what’s next?”
