Belinda Haselschwerdt

If you were to meet her on the street you would never know from her smile and self-confidence that behind those eyes once hid a shy, insecure young girl.  As the oldest daughter of deaf parents Belinda Haselschwerdt learned at a very young age to be articulate and well-spoken.  She had no choice, she was her parents’ link to the outside world.  But in doing so, she felt the pressure of being an adult at an early age, the responsibility of their expectations weighed heavy on her young soul.  She turned to writing poetry at age 11 to deal with the anxiety she felt, to express her feelings of being disconnected from the real world, a bystander in her own life.  Today she is a different person, her friendly personality and compassion for others a warm blanket that envelopes you when you get to know her.  “I had an interesting childhood, some of it was tough, but there were a lot of wonderful times too.” Belinda grew up in New Baltimore on Anchor Bay where most of her family still resides.  She spent much of her childhood boating, fishing, and camping with her family on Lake St. Clair.  “I will never forget the sunsets on the lake that still inspire me.  I spent quite a bit of time out at the end of our dock writing poetry and dreaming of my future.” Belinda now resides in St. Clair with her husband, four kids, and her three mini-schnauzers.

As a young teen Belinda began drawing and found it was something she truly enjoyed, an escape she treasured. She didn’t began painting until the age of 18 when her maternal grandmother introduced her to oil painting, taking her to her friend Alice Bode’s house to paint in her basement. She painted with her for almost 2 years, developing what would be a life-long love.  “I don’t have any formal training but thanks to my Nana, and my dear friend, Carolyn Szymanski, who taught me how to use watercolors, I have gotten the fundamentals and am grateful for their lessons.  Without them I would have never had the courage to explore my creativity on my own.” After the birth of her first child in 1991 she put painting on hold for the next 15 years.  Four children later and finding herself divorced at the age of 30, she found herself on a journey of self-discovery. At this time she went through some life-changing experiences, including almost losing her oldest son to a serious illness.  “I am a strong believer in ‘that which doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger’. God has graciously given me a second chance and I don’t intend to waste it. I want to reach others who may be hurting or struggling through my poetry and my art.” Belinda’s poetry is her way of sharing with others her deepest feelings, thoughts, and ideas.  “I am inspired to write by variety of things...I write about personal experiences, about others’ experiences that have been shared with me, or things I have seen and heard around me.  In any case, when I write it is usually because I have been moved intensely by something, it just comes to me.” She is also inspired by the writings of Anne Sexton, Billy Collins, and Erica Jong.

In 2003 Belinda remarried and in 2004 she was able to quit her job as Administrator for China Township.  She was able to start painting again and it was then that she realized how much she had missed it.  “It was like I had been missing a part of myself.  I don’t feel ‘whole’ unless I am able to be creative, whether it being painting or writing. It keeps me balanced and in touch with my feelings. “ As her passion for the arts reignited she began experimenting with various mediums. She began doing watercolors, mainly painting landscapes, with a fondness for trees and snow scenes.  April of 2007 she was introduced to Winnie Schuette from The Shop on Whipple Street and the rest is history.  After setting up her studio there she has been inspired to try different things and has just recently discovered acrylics “They’re amazing!  I would have never had the courage to try them if it hadn’t been for my friends at The Shop!” Thanks to them Belinda is exploring new ideas and finds herself developing a more abstract style with bolder colors, being especially fond of vibrant blues . She feels that this medium allows her to be more creative and gives her freedom to express her personality and feelings in a whole new way.  “Being a part of a community of artists has opened doors to ideas I would never have had on my own!  I love the friends I have made here, they are like sisters to me, we inspire and motivate each other.  It is wonderful!”

Having only just put her work out into the public within the last 6 months, Belinda finds that sharing it with others to be filled with mixed emotions.  “I am so critical of my work and don’t always feel confident about letting others view it.  But after doing the ‘Renaissance Roam-Home and Art Tour’ in May 2007 with my fellow Shop members, I’ve found that it can be a rewarding experience.  It was my first show ever and I had never had anyone other than family and friends see my work. To have complete strangers come up to me and say such wonderful things was something I will always treasure.  I also sold my first painting that weekend!  The couple that purchased it told me they felt my painting ‘spoke’ to them and they had to have it.  I was so touched.  It was also hard to let it go, like sending one of my children out into the world.  But, I am also happy that my art is in someone’s home for them to enjoy.” Belinda has 4 paintings available for viewing/purchase at Studio 1219.

Much of Belinda Haselschwerdt’s newer works are on display at Salon Pizazz on the corner of Huron Avenue and Quay Street in Downtown Port Huron. Her full gallery is available for viewing on her website at abeautifulmind2.com

You may contact Belinda at 810-300-3711 or by email at .