I recently bought some oil pastels. Holding them, smelling them, drawing with them, took me back to elementary school art class. I had forgotten these magnificent little crayons even existed.
You see, I am not a ‘real’ artist. I didn’t even know I was a ‘secret’ artist until I wrote my Twitter bio. I had originally intended to describe myself as a ‘writer and entrepreneur’, but my subconscious had other ideas.
When the word artist flowed from fingertips, I stopped and stared at it for a few minutes. It was like trying to read a new or foreign word. Artist. It called to me in a way I can’t describe. It felt right.
Writing has always called to me but, another call has been heard, the call to hold color in my hands in the form of colored pencils, crayons, paints and now, oil pastels.
Embracing my inner artist is stretching the boundaries of my creativity. It has helped me discover who I am and what is possible.
I am exploring expressive art versus performance art. Words and pictures used as a tool to self-discovery. The majority of this art is for me only and not for the world to see.
I have discovered that this creative journey to self-discovery has been one of the hardest things I have ever done but, is also one of the greatest gifts I have ever given myself.
“Inviting your creative inspiration into your consciousness alters the course of your life. Being willing to be creatively awake is a choice and not always an easy one. If we choose to invest in our creative self, challenges lie in wait. If we follow our inspiration, we align ourselves with our life-force and pursue a path that emanates from our very being.”
Gail McMeekin
The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women: A Portable Mentor
[...] The Creative Journey to Self-Discovery [...]
Thanks, Kirsten. I think we are fellow travelers on this amazing journey. I love your blog.
http://www.theartofdramaticliving.com/
Sandy,
I really respond to what you said:
“this creative journey to self-discovery has been one of the hardest things I have ever done but, is also one of the greatest gifts I have ever given myself.”
It’s amazing how creative expression flows through and has a ripple effect in every other area of my life. The more I give myself permission to explore, express and play the braver I become. I start thinking more about what it is I truly want instead of being used to what I’ve always had.
Bravo! to you!
Kirsten