The Long Road

All the parts of our journey matter.

Last week, my mom sent me a photo of a painting I did in 2013. It was really bad, and I remember being proud of it at the time. 

Later that day I had a friend reach out about a painting, and she sparked a memory for me about my painting journey. 

I had gone to visit her and bring her family dinner, after she had surgery. During our visit, I remember telling her I wanted to start a creative business. I said it probably wouldn't be related to painting. She probably doesn't remember this conversation at all, it wasn't significant at the time.

But in my heart and my head, I wanted to start painting and start selling my work. I didn't have the courage, not even to say it out loud. My paintings sucked, I had terrible creative block every time I sat down to paint and found myself so frustrated each time I tried. I painted secretly in my journal. I would go on to start a creative business sewing gingham bags (which I did love!), but deep down I knew I was avoiding what I really wanted.

That was over a decade ago. And while it still took me more years to find the courage to paint "for real", I can look back and see how far I've come.

The life of an artist is a journey. It's not a destination and while we can look back at the guideposts that led us here, there is still a long road ahead to look forward to. 

My art has come a long way and still has a long way to go. Thank you for being on this creative journey with me. You can check out my latest Home Collection here.

PS. Yes my friend bought the painting :) Thanks, Jen!