My Artistic Journey towards Self-Love and Creative Expression
The obstacles I’ve encountered and how I’m learning to overcome them to express my inner voice through my artwork.
In this story, I share a bit of my journey as an artist still in search of personal style. From my childhood memories to current practice exercises, I hope to share the lessons I’ve learned and the joy I’ve found in this process of developing my artistic voice.
Lessons from Grandma
I grew up in Brazil, surrounded by flora and fauna. My grandma played a significant role in nurturing my connection to nature. She had a contagious love for all things beautiful and often shared her wise insights with us grandchildren. One cherished memory of mine is of the many times she called us to admire a newly bloomed hoya flower. Its waxy texture and sweet cinnamon scent captivated me, and her words to appreciate the details have stayed with me. Little did I know, that this perspective would become a cornerstone of my artistic philosophy: to see and appreciate the intricate layers in all forms of beauty.
Character Art as an Echo of Other Voices
As a teenager, I found self-expression in drawing portraits. The passion was there but my skills were underdeveloped, so I took a life drawing course to refine them. There, I discovered the world of character design. Influenced by my insecurities and a longing for acceptance, I began mimicking the styles of artists I admired. This phase, although technically enriching, left me feeling hollow. The characters I drew lacked a soul — they were echoes of others’ voices, not mine.
My Last Character Design
Fast forward to 2023, I created the character below, a witch in a golden crown enveloped in space dust and stars. This was, unbeknownst to me, a symbolic farewell to my old self. This piece was the first where I consciously infused elements of nature and rich textures, steering away from my past influences. The character, standing in a cosmic backdrop, blends the ethereal and the natural, representing my desire to experiment and stay true to myself.
Developing a Unique Voice
My journey to find a unique artistic voice is ongoing and will likely never be over. The biggest challenge to me is to draw inspiration from within, rather than from the works of others. To overcome this, I began a self-reflective practice: after each drawing, I’d identify elements that resonated with me — a stroke, a color palette, a mood — and carry these into my next piece. This method has been instrumental in slowly carving out a style that feels authentic to my inner self.
Advice for artists — from one learner to another
To artists struggling to find their voice: draw daily, and in each piece, find something to love. Look for patterns in these elements — a favorite technique, a recurring theme — and let them become part of your daily practice. This habit is not just about skill; it’s about self-love and appreciation, a path that hopefully leads to a unique style and authentic self-expression.
Future Aspirations: Telling Stories Through Art
Looking ahead, I want to blend the nature theme I’ve come to love with objects that carry significance, crafting narratives within each piece. It’s a journey I’m still navigating, but one I’m excited to explore.
As I share my story, I hope to inspire others to embark on their journeys of exploration and self-acceptance. Your journey is uniquely yours — cherish it, nurture it, and let it unfold. I’d love to hear about your experiences and answer any questions you might have. Let’s connect in the comments below.
