Reflections from My First Year as a Full-Time Artist

Up and Out (10x8 inches, charcoal and ink on paper)

This past February marked one year of my journey as a full-time artist, and as I reflect, I’m amazed, although not surprised, by how much has changed- both in my art and in my life.

The journey began when I decided to step away from my previous career and embrace the world of art. It was a bold and daring change but one that was needed. Working in the finance industry, I found myself lacking a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The unexpected twist that started my journey was being let go from the job I had just taken only a few months prior. My position was being eliminated due to “restructuring and budgeting.” I had been making art in my free time for a few years, but it was at this moment that I felt it was time to walk away from a life of dullness of pursuing a “real career” to re-embrace my creativity. Being fired was jarring but it was the kick I needed to embrace a life I knew I wanted that allowed me to create freely and to live on my own terms, a life fully dedicated to art.

The journey has not been without its challenges. Stepping away from a career to pursue my passion created financial hurdles. The cost of purchasing the materials needed and losing my income was an obstacle I had to face straight on, and is a battle I still fight. I have worked side gigs driving for DoorDash and Uber Eats, and currently working at a gallery. I have faced denial and criticism from galleries and friends. I have also been challenged by my own perception of myself. I have taken the mental journey from “I must do xyz to succeed” to “this is what I want to say to the world with my art” and "this is what I want to create”.

I have realized that my artistic journey is my fight to remind everyone that to be human is to remember our creative capacity. We live to be creative beings who shape the world we live in and contribute something to the lives of all around us.

My art seeks to place humanity and human senses front and center of all experience. I believe all relevant art is universal and that the universe is reflected in humanity. One could say my work is expressionist, seeking to outwardly convey things we feel internally and seeking to relate to people through their senses and internal feelings.

Prickly Pears (9x12 inches, soft pastel on paper)

Study of a Man's Face in Three-Quarter Profile (10x7 inches, charcoal on paper)

“Expressionism is about the inner experience, not the external appearance. It is about finding the essence of the subject through emotional intensity.”

-Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Man Confronting Fate (20x16 inches, oil on canvas)

Thanks to the generous donation of the family of a retired artist, this month I have been able to delve into new mediums, such as soft pastels, as well as return to and develop my work further in oil painting- something which I felt I needed to do to accomplish my artistic visions.

Going Home (7x5 inches, acrylic on panel)

Grabbing Hand (10x8 inches, charcoal and ink on paper)

Bell Trail (14x10 inches, soft pastel on paper)

Under an influence and napping (20x20 inches, acrylic on canvas)

The Sun and Silhouettes (5x7 inches, acrylic on panel)

Portrait 2 (14x10 inches, giclée on paper)

Shelley Duvall (10x7 inches, charcoal on paper)

This past year has been a bumpy ride, but with each new work, I find myself discovering something new about myself and my artistic vision. Each piece has been a step forward in my journey, and I’m grateful for the growth and learning that has come with it. Thank you for being part of this adventure with me. I can’t wait to share more with you in the coming months.

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