How Art Changed the Course of my Life
How I got Started Painting + Tips on Pursuing your Passion
I know for a lot of people, including myself, “finding your purpose” can be a scary topic. Thinking about it can feel really heavy and overwhelming.
In high school I wasn’t pulled toward a particular career, and this left me thinking there was something wrong with me. I didn’t have those “typical” aspirations others had. It left me feeling really anxious and lost, but I knew I had a creative soul and that art meant a lot to me.
When I’m creative I feel this overwhelming sense of calm that I can’t explain. I feel so content and inspired regardless of how challenging creating the piece is. Can you relate to this?
Over time, I found myself experimenting with more mediums and studying different types of art. Ultimately, I fell in love with expressive art filled with color and movement. Once I started forming my own style, I found myself becoming more authentic, compassionate, and patient with myself. For once, I genuinely felt deserving of believing in myself. It’s remarkable that moving paint around on a canvas can unlock so much. After this magical discovery it was nearly impossible to put the paint brush down.
For many artists, the act of creating almost becomes addicting. When you get busy and neglect your creative side, it can often carry into your personal life and affect you emotionally. Personally, if I don’t create, I don’t feel grounded.
From a young age, we’re constantly being fed the “starving artist” trope and how difficult finding success as an artist is. I’ve often felt irresponsible for choosing myself and honoring my dream rather than wanting a more stable career.
We are all in charge of our destiny. Just because you’re told those things it doesn’t make them true.
Regardless of the comments, I still decided to pursue my passion and studied art in college in Boston. It was really inspiring being surrounded by others that were choosing the same path as me.
When you’re around people that want the same things you do, it makes your goals feel less daunting and impossible.
This is something that I always try to remember: like attracts like…
If you’re constantly surrounding yourself with people that don’t believe in themselves or your dreams, you’re inevitably going to take on those thoughts as your own.
Half way through college, my family received the devastating news that my mom had stage four lung cancer. This news left me feeling so lost, angry and hopeless… Naturally, it became incredibly tough to stay motivated as I was navigating all of these intense emotions. Over the last few years I’ve had to watch my favorite person in the world go through procedures and treatments that more often than not, leave her feeling more sick. If you’ve been in a situation where you’ve felt immensely discouraged, you know how difficult it can be to keep moving. I believe my mom’s diagnosis gave me a true understanding of how short and precious life is… All the more reason to go after what you truly want!
Although it’s completely natural to feel anger or sadness in hard times, sometimes you have to force yourself to find the silver-lining.
If I don’t force myself to see the good in situations, fear will often take over and try to guide my life. We have more control than we think we do. Make sure you’re feeding your brain positivity daily and that you’re constantly reminding yourself of who you are at the core.
I’m now a full-time artist with collectors all over the world, and I get to inspire people with my art everyday. It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.
Remember that it’s brave to choose yourself and what you want.
It’s not selfish - it’s just rare. Yes, stability is important… But for me, I’d rather know that I’ve lived my life to the fullest and struggle a bit than wonder what could have been. Don’t you? Only you know how to give your own life meaning.
Connect with your Core Desires
Ask yourself these questions:
What would your life look like if money wasn’t a factor?
Who inspired you as a child?
If you don’t feel fulfilled, ask yourself why…
I hope this story of mine was inspiring in some ways and that you set aside time to work toward your passion today!
Artistic Affirmation: I am creating the life of my dreams.
Learn More about the Artist
Read my artist statement and bio here!
