[First acrylic painting in 2006]
Life's Lessons Served on the Canvas
My earliest and fondest memories revolve around the act of drawing, doodling, and coloring. In the midst of a tumultuous childhood, art provided me with a sanctuary, offering a pathway towards positivity and focus, ultimately becoming a lifeline.
During my teenage years, fate intervened through a simple art brochure found in a magazine.
Little did I know that completing those illustrations would set in motion a journey toward artistic expression. Despite my parents' lack of enthusiasm, I seized the opportunity and sent in my application to the Art School featured in the brochure. Although their disinterest led me away from pursuing formal art education, my passion for creativity remained undiminished.
Leaving home before my sophomore year, I sought refuge with my bio-father in another state, where I completed high school and graduated in 1983. However, the itch to express myself creatively persisted, leading me to enroll in beauty school. Channeling my pent-up energy into hairstyling, I obtained my cosmetology license and embarked on a career in various salons, yet a lingering sense of artistic dissatisfaction persisted.
Throughout the years, amidst life's trials and tribulations, I found solace in doodling, particularly during moments of melancholy. Despite lacking formal training, the act of drawing served as a therapeutic outlet, albeit one plagued by self-doubt and frustration. Yet, even in the depths of despair, seeds of improvement were sown, nurtured by the art projects I assisted my children with.
As the years progressed into the mid-2000s, the discovery of resources for learning art offered a newfound sense of hope and direction. Trips to the library became opportunities for exploration, uncovering a wealth of "How to" books and inspiration. Engaging in art projects with my children not only fostered creativity but also reignited my passion for painting, a revelation that sparked a journey of self-discovery and growth.
With the advent of online tutorials, a whole new world of learning unfolded before me. Through platforms like YouTube, I delved into various painting techniques, honing my skills from the comfort of home. The marriage of technology and creativity provided a gateway to self-expression and fulfillment, propelling me further along my artistic journey.
Through it all, art emerged as a beacon of light, warding off the shadows of depression and despair. While my upbringing may not have included formal religious practice, I've come to recognize a guiding force, a divine presence that has walked alongside me through life's trials and triumphs. In the tapestry of my existence, art and faith intertwine, weaving a narrative of resilience, redemption, and renewal.
