In my previous
post, I shared how I discovered my call to painting and how important is as a
way to express my true self. When my guiding angels dictated me to embrace this
journey, they forgot to include a manual on “How to pursue a life as an artist
and not die in the journey”! On 2013, I was working on my first art show at an
Art Gallery. The inspiration I felt was unbelievable. The feeling was new and
empowering. I managed to plan, execute and deliver a beautiful art show that
honoured the women I knew in my community. I tailored a plan and carefully
chose women who had an appealing and inspiring stories to share with the public. We met and talked. In my studio, the stories turned into works of
art, each story flowing through my hand at ease. It was beautiful to witness.
At that time, I felt I could touch the sky and happily embraced the journey.
The art show turned out to be very successful and the public enjoyed and got
inspired by the artworks and life stories, all depicted in a guide to the show. As
time went by, the amazing feeling of “I can do this” went away and I was
left alone planning my next move. As time went by, I longed to go back to the
inspiration I felt then when I was not scared nor doubtful. Without that
inspiration, I was navigating the Do’s & Don’ts of the art
industry. Then, I found myself working on my second art show. I partnered with the YWCA
Vancouver to bring to life “Home Is Love” an art show depicting
the lives of the women the organization serves- single mothers. Again, the inspiration
took over and I found myself at my studio witnessing how my skills were getting more
confident and free. The art show was a beautiful display of positive and colourful
home scenes painted on cradle panels built as houses. The show gained great
exposure, featuring my vision as an artist in various media channels. During
the time between the first and the second art show, I realized that the journey
I took on as a full time artist could be a long, daunting and a very hard path.
But then again, I found myself
working on my third art show. Hawaiian Sisterhood, an art show in partnership with
fashion designer, a women’s organization called Women Helping Women located in
Maui and me. The art show celebrated the multicultural complexion of the women
of Maui. I have to be honest and admit that even with all the amazing accomplishments I have been witnessing in my career; many times I consider quitting and finding a different livelihood. Now, as I wait for my next move, I can say that many times the
anxiety, the fear, the doubts and the understanding of what it takes to pursue
a life as a professional artist “take over” me and they leave me feeling paralyzed.
During these times, I reach out for the help of self-help books, meditation
or long talks with friends to get me going. I am still learning and experimenting
with what works and what doesn’t for me. This is a professional and very personal
pursuit. I am proud to say that I fell in love with painting…and didn’t quit.
As the new year approaches, I have taken the commitment to reach out to more people, to connect and spread the word of what I love to do. My hope is to inspire you to find your own voice as well.
"The stories you believe to be true are the ones your life will become"
with love, Jazmin
Looking at "Picnic in our community garden" and realizing the beauty of my work
No comments:
Post a Comment