My Journey to Becoming a Creative Artist: Embracing Patience and Precision

Discovering My Passion Early On

Right from the start of my educational journey, I have always been a hands-on person. From my earliest memories in school, I gravitated toward activities that allowed me to engage physically and creatively with the material at hand. There were times when I would be almost too slow in completing my tasks. I could sense the teachers’ growing impatience as I meticulously crafted my projects. They often expressed their frustration because I rarely finished a project within the allotted time frame.

The overarching goal seemed to be hurrying up and finishing. There were always more important things to address in the curriculum. This pressure often overshadowed the joy of the creative process. While I recognize that subjects like math, science, and English are important, my heart was drawn to the arts.

The Joy of Creating

Creating something tangible sparked a passion within me that went beyond traditional learning. Whether it was a painting, sculpture, or another form of artistic expression, I found immense joy in the process. Each brushstroke and cut contributed to a final product that represented my skills, emotions, and thoughts.

The satisfaction that comes from transforming a blank canvas or a lump of clay is unparalleled. It was more rewarding than producing an essay filled with critical analysis. My tangible creations provided a profound sense of pride and accomplishment.

Embracing a Creative Mindset

Although I struggled with rushing through the process, I still cherished every moment of creating. This evolved into a continuous desire to produce art. Throughout my school years, I took every art class available. I turned projects into art endeavors and infused creativity into every subject I tackled.

This fueled my ambition to pursue a creative career. Initially, like in my early days, this ambition was set aside. Stereotypes about the arts not leading to viable careers lingered. However, I remained determined.

The Decision to Attend Art School

Attending art school was the best decision I've ever made. There's no turning back for me! I’m proud to hold a BFA and MFA in Photography. Living my dream means doing what I love and teaching others about my passion.

Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to showcase my work. I’ve held two solo exhibitions, received several awards, and participated in numerous group shows. Additionally, I've been featured in a couple of publications. My artistic journey continues, and I can only see progress ahead.

The Role of My Teachers

I’m not writing this to criticize or disrespect any of my teachers. They did their job by ensuring I received a solid education and understood essential skills. I still maintain connections with several of them today. I share this to inspire others—if you set your mind to something, you can achieve your dreams and create the life you desire.

Crafting the Life I Want

I am still working on my dream. Each step I take brings me closer to a life filled with creativity and joy. Occasionally, I receive questioning looks or generic comments like “Oh, that’s nice” when I mention I'm an artist. But I don't let that stop me. I continue to pursue what truly makes my heart happy.

The creative path is not an easy one. However, it’s rewarding. With patience and precision—both in my work and my life—I know I am building a fulfilling future. Each day, I craft my life as an artist, filled with passion and vibrant colors.

In conclusion, embracing my artistic nature has led me to where I am today. It's about more than just creating art; it's about embracing my journey, learning from every experience, and continuously evolving. Remember, a dedicated heart can overcome stereotypes and create a lasting impact.