Living Artfully in Ivins...
- Kathy Smith
- Apr 1
- 5 min read
“Flowers are Red, Leaves are Green”
A Conversation with Tim and Sharon Gillespie
Ivins is uniquely positioned among breathtaking landscapes, allowing residents to experience the beauty of nature as a constant source of inspiration. Community spaces and buildings are thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the environment, enhancing visual appeal and encouraging a deeper appreciation for our surroundings.
Beyond the physical environment, Ivins boasts a vibrant artistic community. Local artists enrich the area’s culture through diverse forms such as painting, sculpture, photography, and performing arts. The abundance of creative talent fosters an atmosphere where art is celebrated and accessible, inviting residents to engage with and appreciate various artistic expressions.
Living Artfully:
Community Perspectives
How do members of our community embrace artful living in their own lives? To gain insight, we asked Tim and Sharon Gillespie to share their experiences. Tim, a talented photographer whose work will be showcased in the Ivins 2026 Art on Loan program, provides one creative perspective. However, our interest extended beyond his artistic endeavors—we wanted to understand how this local couple integrates artfulness into all aspects of their daily life. As you read about their approach, consider the ways you and your family incorporate creativity, mindfulness, and appreciation for everyday beauty into your own routines.
Tim and Sharon left the cooler, rainy weather of Seattle seven years ago and, like many Ivins residents, quickly fell in love with red dirt and a warmer climate. Their home’s design was purposefully laid out to display nature’s art from every vantage point. Stepping inside, Tim’s photography invites viewers to become part of the image, whether imagining themselves beside an eagle’s nest, standing in knee-deep snow next to a snow-bearded bison, or hearing the hoofbeats of a herd of wild horses and watching them cross the desert in the late afternoon light.
As you move further into their house, you’ll find delightful vignettes of artful décor. On this day, spring is on full display. Sharon’s affection for holiday décor shines through, setting the stage for smiles and joy during any celebration. Her creativity is evident as a card designer and maker, an art she has honed for over 25 years. Sharon creates cards with remarkable detail, making each one intentional and special for the recipient.
Personal Creative Practices
Every morning, Tim and Sharon reflect on the beauty and majesty of Red Mountain. There is something in the red rock that heals the soul and prepares one for the day. Living artfully brings them the most joy when they are using their creativity.
When Tim is not out on a shoot, he studies the work of other photographers, learning from their techniques and perspectives while developing his own style. He finds the most joy in the process rather than the outcome, saying this artform gives him purpose to learn and a great excuse for travel.
Sharon is drawn to the intricate process and detail of card design. When not busy serving as a councilmember for Ivins City, she is in her studio researching and creating new designs. On this day, she had just completed a beautiful three-dimensional birthday greeting card.
Mindful Living and Appreciation
Sharon and Tim both believe that cultivating mindfulness and appreciation is a gradual process that evolves over time. They recognize that focusing on these qualities can be challenging, especially during busy years filled with work and family responsibilities. Despite these challenges, they encourage people of all ages and at every stage of life to intentionally set aside time to explore an art form that sparks their interest. They emphasize that exploration does not always mean creating art; sometimes, it simply involves appreciating beauty in others’ work.
Tim shared a recent example from his own journey: he attended an equine fashion photoshoot led by equine photographer Sara Lane. Initially out of his element, Tim chose to remain open to the experience. As he persevered, he was able to create images from a new perspective and, in doing so, developed a deep respect and appreciation for Sara and her unique artistic style.
Influence and Inspiration
Sharon’s artistic journey has been shaped by her extensive background in ballet. She attributes much of her inspiration to one of her early ballet instructors, whose guidance instilled in her the importance of dedication, collaboration, discipline, and meticulous attention to detail. Sharon’s passion for ballet was further ignited during a formative trip to Sadler’s Wells Ballet in England, an experience that left a lasting impression and influenced her commitment to pursuing ballet from childhood through her college years.
In addition to the impact of her ballet experiences, Sharon draws creative energy from her involvement with a local “stamp camp” group. This gathering provides an opportunity for artists to come together, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects. The group fosters a spirit of learning and community, allowing Sharon and her peers to continually grow and find inspiration through collective creativity.
Tim draws deep inspiration from the life and values of his father, whose kindness and thoughtfulness have left a lasting mark on Tim's outlook. In addition to his father's influence, Tim has been inspired by the renowned nature photographer Art Wolfe, who is based in Seattle. Art Wolfe's unique perspective and dedication to capturing the beauty of the natural world have shaped Tim's artistic journey, motivating him to explore new techniques and viewpoints within his own photography.
A significant influence on Tim's creative mindset comes from the song "Flowers Are Red" by Harry Chapin. The message within this song encourages Tim to think creatively and to appreciate alternative perspectives in both life and art. Its lyrics challenge listeners to embrace originality and to value diversity in expression—an approach that Tim incorporates into his work and outlook. For those unfamiliar with the song, its lyrics may offer meaningful inspiration as well.
Challenges and Growth
Tim acknowledges that age and mobility may eventually affect his artful lifestyle, but he plans to continue learning and creating. Both Tim and Sharon agree that Ivins’ artistic community is awe-inspiring, providing countless opportunities to create or appreciate art in southern Utah and nearby communities. They highlight that living artfully can be as simple as including meaningful art in your home—a framed “handprint” artwork from their "Grandlove Anna" is at home among Tim’s images and is loved just as much as any other art in their home.
As a final note, Tim and Sharon encourage participation by residents in our newly formed Art Districts as they begin to take shape, would love to see children’s programs expanded in local venues, and support continued expansion of public art.
Your Thoughts?
The Ivins City Arts Commission wants to hear from you. We’d love you to comment on how you and your family live artfully. The commission would also like to interview other community members on this subject. If you’re interested in being interviewed, email Kathy Smith at kathy.smith@ivinsutah.gov.
These questions can help uncover diverse perspectives and stories about artful living, revealing both the unique and universal ways people weave creativity and beauty into their lives.
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