Creating is exhilarating. I love the feeling of putting the finishing touches on something I’ve worked so hard on.
Creating and sharing is terrifying. It requires vulnerability, bravery, and a thick skin. It requires accepting that people may not like what you create, or no one buys something you put your heart and soul into.
These qualities do not come naturally for me. My heart wants to be liked, accepted and praised. It feels like rejection to put your art (and heart) on display and receive little or nothing in return.
In the days of the “side hustle,” we’re told we can do more, make more, be more. Take what you love and turn it into dollars in the bank. I admit - this holds some appeal to me. But it cannot be the reason I make art.
As one of my amazing mentors (and a ridiculously talented artist!) reminded me a couple weeks ago: you don’t have to monetize your hobbies.
I want to make art because I love it, because it’s fun and beautiful and satisfying; because sometimes it’s dark and messy and therapeutic and raw. It challenges me, gives me freedom to try new techniques, study new subject matter and really discover who I am as an artist. But it’s not just about me either.
Art allows me to touch and connect with others in new ways. I am thrilled and humbled when someone asks me to create a painting - whether it’s a simple piece of decor, or a recreation of a special moment or place in their lives.
While this is a blog primarily about art, I’ll be coming here to share my heart from time to time, too. This is the third time I’ve migrated by blog, and I will likely re-post thing I’ve shared on past blogs.
I hope you’ll come back from time to time to see what I’m working on, new things I’m learning and what’s on my mind!
