Getting Back to Art for Art’s Sake

Here I am, writing my first blog post.

I’m sitting in the park after setting up my art for only the second time. It took a lot to get here—and by that, I don’t just mean packing the car, driving, and setting up my booth. It took a lot to unlearn the pressure to create for others, to let go of the need for approval, and most importantly, to make art that I genuinely enjoy.

Like many women, I grew up learning to be a people pleaser. When I started making art consistently in college, much of it was collaborative—someone else had to like it. If it was a commission, the client had to approve it. Every piece was filtered through the expectations of others. I became further and further removed from myself.

Then one day, over coffee, an acquaintance shared something that stuck with me. I must have been venting about my struggles, because he told me that when he faced similar creative blocks, he made a rule for himself: he would create only what he enjoyed. He stopped over-editing in his mind before even putting paint to canvas. He just let himself get lost in the process again.

So here I am, surrounded by the finished products of my own creative freedom. Embroidered designs of wide, dramatic, girly eyes—some rolling, some in shock. Little pink skulls. Delicately stitched “C’est La Vie”s. Skeleton angels flying across tote bags. I’m surrounded by moments of when I allowed myself to get lost in an act of self care. Creation.

(Out here wayyy too early in the morning)

I’m surrounded by work that makes me smile. Work that, to me, is perfectly human—feminine, dramatic, and a little bit silly.

And that feels like a win. Always remember that creating with joy and living life in the way you enjoy are the only ways worth experiencing this life.

Be Kind, Be Smart, and Remember

to Truly Live <3