by Dan Perkins

Sacred objects and spaces are the subjects of two works by artist Tonietta Walters featured in the Collabo exhibit, which runs through January 20, 2007 at Gallery 6, located on the sixth floor of the Broward County Main Library, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Walters welcomed the opportunity to talk with diversityinbusiness.com about her work and life which took an unforeseen turn when her father passed away while she was away at college.  Walters was forced to curtail her education and seek employment.  Once in the business world, Walters enjoyed numerous exciting assignments, including a stint at one of America's largest financial institutions. 

Although Walters found success in the corporate world, it wasn't where her heart was.  She made the decision to pursue art while on vacation, celebrating a major birthday.  "At some point, you have to make a decision:  What is it that you are here for?  Not, what is it that you're just going to do," declared Walters.

The decision to pursue art coincided with a heightened awareness of her own spirituality.  Walter's two pieces in the Collabo exhibit address the connection of both the spiritual and physical realms.

Walter's transition from the corporate world to the world of artist-entrepreneur has not been an especially easy one. "I'm use to living in a nice house, driving a nice car, and being able to spend money," said Walters as she reflected on the comforts that came with corporate life.  But Walters is philosophical about her present state of emergence.  "Every business person knows about difficult beginnings; I don't believe it's just an artist thing," she continued.

Walters was first introduced to art as a little girl, when her mother signed her up for dancing lessons.  Since then, Walters has danced through several career changes.  She is confident that she will eventually find a new level of success.  Walters, who believes in allowing spirit to guide her creative talents, is interested in exploring opportunities to combine her artistry with some aspect of interior design. To learn more about Tonietta Walters, click the link below.

dibVIDEO: diversityinbusiness.com talks with Collabo Artist TONIETTA WALTERS

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