Turning Trauma and a Busted Compass into My Life’s Masterpiece (or at least a Decent Road Trip)
All while driving under the influence...of inspiration.😊
This is so far from my comfort zone I had to post it. I hope I don’t have a vulnerability hangover tomorrow.
What happens when life hands you a broken compass from the get-go? For me, it meant growing up feeling invisible, so much so that when I first learned to sign my name, I wrote "Blank”, not Jolene.
My artwork, cards, and notes were signed, Love, Blank.
Making art & creating became my survival tool. It let me exist on my terms, proving my presence in a world where being seen was not safe. Later, traveling became my escape, offering a way to understand myself outside the chaos I was born into. Over time, I channeled this need for safety and expression into my career as a scenic artist, creating for film and TV—a way to be visible without actually being seen.
The story doesn’t stop there. Meeting my husband Patrick, a fellow creative and traveler, brought a rare peace into my life. Losing him to cancer within five months shook me to my core, but it also forced me to confront the broken pieces of myself because, spoiler alert:
No one tells you that when profound grief shows up at your door, it brings with it every unhealed part of you.
Out of this journey, Skewed North was born. It’s my compass recalibrated, my way of sharing how I’ve learned to create beauty from chaos. My art, writing, and travels reflect the path I’ve taken to rebuild my life and find the truth of who I am.
This video shares the beginning of that journey. It’s raw, real, and filled with the heart of someone who’s determined to live under the influence of inspiration, no matter how busted the compass may be.
Come along for the ride or do some armchair travel—either way, I hope my story inspires you to find your own way, no matter where you’re starting from.
PS. Please enjoy this detour on our way through Europe. It will only make the rest of the trip make more sense.
Watch the video below to dive deeper into the story of Skewed North. If you are not a paid subscriber, I would like you to claim the free post on me and let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Also, here is a link to the original post if you decide not to watch the video. You’ll miss out on my wicked sense of humor and rabbit holes of truth, but you’ll still get the point of why Skewed North exists. Hint: It’s not what you think…