Awakening Creativity: How Watercolor Art Builds Faith – Rising Phoenix Spotlight – Me Ra Koh

When I asked Christa Dawn what it’s like to be painting in her studio and then look up and see her true self, her answer brought me to tears!

“Oh my goodness, Me Ra, this experience has been life-changing.

I remember seeing my portrait for the first time and crying… Realizing in that moment that I wasn’t anything like I had always believed myself to be.

I found myself whispering to her… ‘I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry I was ever mean to you. You’re beautiful. And I would absolutely be your friend.’

Immediately following the Rising Phoenix Experience, God showed me that not only is it OK to be both wise & playful, soft & fun, quiet & also full of life… But that it is more than OK. It is an expression of the way He made me, a light to the world that needs to see His glory, and a reminder that in Him I live & move & have my very being (Acts 17:28).

I talk to myself in the mirror now. Where I used to get in and get out as quickly as possible.

Afraid to see the person I thought I was.

Harsh.

Annoying.

Unattractive.

Not enough

Too much

Frustrating to know.

Now I see myself differently…

I See Soft

Pretty

Approachable.

Playful

Wise

Compassionate And a good listener.

I see Jesus in my eyes.

And I’m overwhelmed by how anointed this experience has been.

Not only to show me who I am and how I was created, But to also ignite in me an excitement to live out this adventure that God has had for me all along.”

Heart Lessons from Watercolor

Christa was asked to paint quail…yes, QUAIL…for the 25th Anniversary of Quail Forever conservation. Every color comes from the rocks in their habitat. She grinds the rocks, studies their behavior, and talks to scientists. And then she creates this…

Absolutely breathtaking!

During our Rising Phoenix Discovery Call, she shared the different ways watercolor has transformed her very being;

Patience

“Patience is rising in me,” she said during our call. “Watercolor takes extreme patience. It’s not nervous or anxious – opposite of me. I’ve learned not to be angry with myself.”

She recalls painting her mother-in-law’s hands during a fleeting moment of clarity in the midst of dementia: “It had flaws. I made mistakes, but it still worked. Still, I painted hands—one of my favorites, even though I’m not a realism artist myself. I was able to let go. Let God. Because God and I are just talking about the story.”

Her art reminds us of that awakening creativity means letting go of perfection and finding peace in the process.

Courage

“Courage to do it at 50! To tell my kids I need a couple days a week—that is huge! (She loves watching her grandkids.) It’s okay for me to spend time with God. He wants me to do this, not just lets me.”

This courage is not only about creating—it’s about claiming space for herself and her calling.

Listening

“I love to talk but have become a really good listener. I cannot paint unless I hear your story.”

From scientists to quail habitats, she listens deeply.

Together, patience, courage, and listening form the foundation of Christa’s creative journey. They shape not only how she paints but also how she lives—teaching her to trust the process, embrace her calling, and truly hear the stories that inspire her work. Through these qualities, she continues finding faith and creativity through watercolor art in every brushstroke.

The Face of Her Becoming

Seven days before her birthday, Christa faced a powerful moment of reflection. Each year, she considers what she is rising into, what new qualities are growing within her, and what God is calling her to. It is in these reflective times that she leans most on faith and art as her guide.

Her journey shows that Awakening Creativity: How Watercolor Art Builds Faith are not just about what appears on the canvas, but about how art reshapes the way she sees herself—softening her spirit, deepening her faith, and bringing courage to embrace who she is becoming.

How Watercolor Art Builds Faith Through Portraits

Her watercolor portraits are not simply images on paper. They become reminders of the people in our lives who shape us, impact us, and love us. At the bottom of this post is a link to some of her beautiful pieces and the inspiration behind each. You’ll love getting lost in the stories!

When someone looks at one of her paintings, they don’t just see a face—they see memories, emotions, and stories that remind them of resilience, faith, and connection. Christa’s art inspires people by helping them see how their own loved ones leave lasting imprints on their lives.

Love Reflected by Family

Christa’s art often captures intimate family moments—a mother-in-law holding her first grandbaby, or her children at play. These paintings are not just images; they are living reminders of love, resilience, and the faith woven into daily life. Her creativity leaves more than a mark on paper—it leaves an imprint on the people around her.

Her husband describes her as determined, dynamic, and deeply honest. “She stays with it until she figures it out & not a quitter,” he says. He loves her humor, her communication, and her ability to teach and engage others. Most of all, he trusts her eyes—“true honesty,” he calls them. He believes her FIORIA artwork will help her trust herself more, relax, and find more joy in her creative process.

Her daughter admires her peaceful spirit, wisdom, and ambition. “Especially later in her life, finding this new talent, pursuing it, putting all this work into it—she’s just becoming even more strong, brave and ambitious than she ever has been.”

Her son calls her a “personality magnet,” someone who naturally draws out the true self in others. He adds, “I want her to see herself the way God sees her. She is the artist that God has made her to be.”

Even her daughter-in-law sees her as radiant, forgiving, and unwavering in her faith. Her superpower? Inclusion. She makes everyone feel like family within minutes of meeting her.

Together, their voices show how Christa’s life and art impact those closest to her. Through her love, faith, and creativity, she reminds them of their strength, celebrates their stories, and shows them how love can be seen, shared, and remembered in every brushstroke.

Finding Faith and Courage Through Watercolor Art

Every brushstroke and every story Christa paints points back to one truth: her art is not about reinventing herself but revealing who God made her to be. Her children hope her Rising Phoenix reminds her that she is beautiful, strong, and exactly where she’s supposed to be.

Her journey shows us that Awakening Creativity: How Watercolor Art Builds Faith is more than a creative practice—it’s a way of life. It is a legacy of rising, healing, and inspiring others to embrace their own becoming.

As Her Creativity Awakens, So Can Yours

Christa’s story is a reminder that courage, faith, and creativity don’t always begin with certainty—they often grow in the quiet space of surrender. She has discovered patience, courage, and the ability to listen deeply—not just to others, but to God’s voice within her.

So, if you’ve been asking questions like: Am I ready? Is it too late to start? Can my creativity make a difference?

Then let Christa’s journey encourages you. Let her art, her faith, and her courage remind you that your story, too, is worth creating.

Ready to rise? Take the first step. DM me on Instagram or message me on Facebook “rise” or fill out our contact here: Rising Phoenix page. Be sure to mention that you read Christa’s story.

Because maybe today is the day you pick up the brush—or take that first step of faith. Perhaps this is the moment when your own creativity and courage begin to rise.

still we rise,

Me Ra

p.s. Let yourself wander in Christa’s beautiful stories and watercolor paintings. The piece Pray for Him will blow you away!