A Search for Joy: Artist Nan Morrison’s Creative Journey

For Nan Morrison, choosing a future home at Goodwin House Seminary Road means continuing the life she has built. She is choosing to live with intention, surrounded by creativity, connection and opportunities to keep learning.

Nan’s love of art shaped much of her life. After a career on Capitol Hill and at the Department of Interior, Nan’s curiosity led her to a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies in 1999 and a Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies in 2002 at Georgetown University. For the past 20 years, Nan worked as a docent at the National Gallery of Art, helping others who share her passion for the stories and meaning behind great works of art.

Eventually, Nan realized she didn’t just want to study art — she wanted to create it.

Finding Her Creative Voice

When she finally decided to pick up a paintbrush, Nan discovered a new sense of peace and presence.

“When you’re painting, you’re so in the moment,” Nan says. “You’re focused on that orange, that blue, whatever it is.”

Over the past 25 years, painting became central to Nan’s life. Primarily an abstract painter, she uses color, shape, line, pattern and texture to express herself in her work.

“My art has really been about a search for joy,” she says.

For more than 17 years, Nan has been a member of the Columbia Pike Artist Studios community, where she maintains a large studio, connects with other artists and continues to grow as a painter.

“As long as I can, I want to keep painting, keep showing up,” she says. “My work has changed so much over the years I’ve painted.”

Continuing to Learn, Move and Connect

For Nan, living well has always meant staying engaged physically, creatively and socially.

From ballet and modern jazz classes when she was younger to jazzercise and dance classes later on, Nan believes staying active and listening to your body are essential parts of aging well.

“Health is at the heart of continuing to live,” she says.

Just as important is staying connected with others.
“Never isolate yourself. We are human beings and we need each other.”

Whether visiting a museum, traveling, spending time with friends or simply appreciating a beautiful moment, Nan believes in being intentional about creating joy.

“Enjoy the moment,” she says. “It’s hard to stop when we’re so busy, but be present and grateful for what’s around you.”

Looking Forward to What’s Next

Nan’s curiosity continues to take her to new places. She has upcoming trips planned to visit family, explore Ireland for the first time and make a return visit to Madrid to experience Picasso’s work, The Prado and learn more about Spanish culture.

That same curiosity is one of the things she looks forward to bringing with her to Goodwin House Seminary Road.

Having already exhibited her abstract paintings at other Goodwin Living communities, Nan has seen firsthand the role creativity and connection play in community life.

“There are lots of opportunities to stay engaged,” she says. “Anyone who’s thinking seriously about it should look at community involvement and volunteer opportunities that are offered — it’s quite educational, interesting and comprehensive.”

For Nan, reserving her future home is a way to pursue the things that bring her joy, building new relationships and embracing whatever comes next.

“Who knows where we’ll go?” she says. “The story hasn’t been told yet.”