An Artist’s Journey
As part of my journey to slow living, and wellness in general, I am taking some time to get back to what I love. For as long as I can remember I was “the artist”. In school, if you asked teachers or peers what I was most known for, most would say my artistic ability. But no matter who recognized my talents, or what awards I won at school, I never felt like an artist. I felt like an imposter. I never felt good enough. Talented enough. Or unique enough to call myself an Artist.
When my kids were still young, I tried. I tried to make art and sell it. Selling on Etsy and in person went fairly well. I sold enough to pay for my hobby but all the while I still felt I could not own the title Artist. When I made the decision to homeschool my kids I let that part of me whither away.
I had a real belief that if it did not serve my family (financially or practically) it was not worth pursing. How could I spend money on a hobby that was purely for my own enjoyment? Quality paints were too expensive and I didn’t have the space to keep supplies anyway. Those are the types of things I told myself after I let my hobby disappear.
Today, I have a different view. The process of creating art allows me to escape into something greater than myself. It is like reading a really great novel. The outside world just fades into the background while my inside world sparkles. This is rest. It is essential to being.
Quotes to Live By
One form my art takes is hand lettering. I have always loved illustrating quotes. As a promise to myself, I have made it a mission to do one hand lettered quote per week this month. To keep myself accountable, I will share it here with you.
Today’s quote is by author Brene Brown from her book “Braving the Wilderness“. If you have not read Brene’s work, I highly recommend anything and everything she has written. This is the fourth book of hers I have read and they all leave me feeling so strong and ready to face the world.
Strong back, soft front, wild heart.
Brene Brown
Without giving too much away about the meaning of the quote, because I think you ought to read the book as well, here is what the quote means. To truly feel at home with yourself you need to develop a strong back by standing up for your convictions, a soft front by having empathy and kindness for others, and a wild heart to feel secure when you are standing alone in being true to yourself. I am sure I am not doing the definition justice but her words get right to my soul.
All my life I hid in the background. Never feeling true to my heart. Not wanting attention for fear of what people might think. This quote reminds me I have to be brave and stand up for my heart. Some people might not like it and that has to be ok. But I am tired of living just to please other people. I am an Artist and I am going to own it.
Read More
Related Articles
