A Creative Process[ing]

I’m in an interesting place in my creative career, and if you asked me how I got here, I would have no idea how to tell you. It was a series of wandering serendipitous moments and paths that at the time of each embarkment felt foreign and curious, intimate and ordinary. Much magic happens in the mundane; the moments away from everyone when it is just us exploring us.

I can tell you, I have made some significant intentional actions that have shaped my journey and have allowed me to swim, surf and dive in the abundant infiniteness of my creative well. For one, I took the time to figure out who I was. It shouldn’t be lost on anyone whose life purpose is in the arts, that a deep embarkment of self is inevitable. The more curious and open you are to the complexities of that journey, the better off you’ll be. Also, with such a sense of security that I have found throughout the journey, I have learned to toss a lot of boxes that defined me to the wind. Specifically, as it relates to me as an artist. It was quite arrogant to have defined myself so tightly so early in my career. It closed me off from things I may or may not want to explore because I had already told myself who I was and what I did. By removing all sub-labels and allowing me to simply be an artist, I started to venture outside of my comfort zone and what I did naturally. I allowed even the slightest curiosity to take me in all sorts of directions. The most active way this played out was in my path as a patron of the arts. I found myself perusing galleries and exploring mediums that wouldn’t have been remotely on my radar just a year ago. I indulged in art I loved and art I didn’t care for. All of it was necessary and it served in providing me with one thing I needed; permission. The bad art gave me permission to create without aesthetics. Good art gave me freedom; striving to convey my message in the most aesthetically authentic way I can. 

I’m grateful for how abundant the purpose of Art is. How there are so many different mediums and modalities for me to maneuver. Each one has a purpose and plays its role well. Working with acrylic, oil, watercolor, texturism, and color theory has exercised my skill and creative stamina, and dexterity. I have found every nook and cranny of expression a pleasure to examine, and are welcomed additions to my toolbox. Most importantly, I'm grateful to my Muse who got sick and tired of me wishing and asked me, “Who told you you were only ___ artist?” You allowed me to question myself and explore new answers or throw all the answers away and be okay with the mere curiosity about a thing. 

Much Love & Gratitude

Peace