For as long as I can remember, art has held a special place in my heart.
In school, drawing and painting were my favorite activities. A natural outlet for my creativity and expression.
But like many creative souls, I faced the practical reality check from my parents: “You can’t eat art.”
They steered me toward a stable career path that would ensure financial security, and while I understood their concerns, my artistic spirit never truly faded.
Then came the pandemic.
What many experienced as confinement, I secretly embraced as an opportunity.
With no daily commuting, I found myself with something I hadn’t had in years: time.
Real, unstructured time that was mine to fill.
That’s when I also welcomed a puppy into my home.
Between caring for my new furry companion and adjusting to remote work, I still found myself wondering how to use these unexpected pockets of freedom.
The answer was waiting in my childhood memories.
“Why not try painting again?” a voice inside me said.
That’s when I reached out to a friend, a talented artist who continues to learn and create without formal training, something I’ve always admired about her.
She generously guided me toward the right materials, recommending specific brushes and reliable stores.
Armed with her advice and newfound enthusiasm, I gathered supplies and set up a small studio space in my home.
While staring at the blank canvas, I felt a bit nervous and hesitant.
“You gotta start somewhere,” another artist friend once told me, and referred me to Pinterest.
There, I could choose the level of difficulty to start with.
That felt both liberating and motivating.
I chose simple designs that wouldn’t frustrate someone who hadn’t held a brush in years…
With music playing or audiobooks narrating in the background, I allowed myself to get lost in the creative process.
Time seemed to slow as colors blended and images emerged from my brushstrokes.
What surprised me most wasn’t the quality of my work, though I was pleased with many of my creations, but rather how completely painting restored a side that had been dormant within me…
A side that consists of:
Curiosity.
Creativity.
Self-expression.
Each painting session brought me closer to myself.
My mind felt clearer, my outlook brighter.
The simple act of creating something from scratch made me think about the capabilities I had set aside but never truly lost.
My confidence grew with each completed piece.
The pandemic, despite all its challenges, gave me back a precious gift: reconnection with my artsy self.
When was the last time you expressed yourself through art?
Let’s talk.
