How Art Helped Me Grow

As long as I can remember, I have always been a timid person. Preferring books and their  imaginary utopias, I rarely made an effort to get to know others. My parents were okay with this, until I entered fifth grade and still showed no interest in others. In a ploy to grow my sociability, my dad bought me an encyclopedia on animals so that I could show it off at school. It didn’t work but I did develop a new hobby. I had always liked to draw, but I found myself captivated by the animals and spent hours upon hours drawing their likeness, creating a zoo of drawings. This hobby snowfalled until it became a passion. 

To my parents’ delight I made friends in middle school. It all happened when I saw my soon-to-be best friend reading a volume of Clamp’s Cardcaptor Sakura. Earlier that summer I had become obsessed with Clamp’s art style, so I fought my anxiety and introduced myself. It was one of the best decisions I ever made and I learned to take more chances that were out of my comfort zone. I also found a group of friends that accepted me and supported my hobby. 

As I got more invested in art, I started to explore different genres quickly becoming obsessed with artists such as Salvador Dali and Margert Keane. I loved Surrealism and the emotions it evoked. This was a turning point for me as I began to view art more than just a task of beauty but rather one of expression. I learned not just to open up but to be comfortable in expressing and even exploring my emotions. It helped me reflect and grow a better sense of self.

When I left highschool I started to get more serious about my art. I decided to start doing commissions. At first it was easy, however, I soon realized that I was spending more time on commissions that I was getting paid for. This all boiled over when I was commissioned to make a piece only for the commissioner to no longer want it, after seven hours of work. I was devastated and hurt; I contemplated quitting. However, as I wallowed in sadness, I reminded myself that art is subjective; it won’t suit everybody’s tastes. I told myself I needed to be more self-assured and confident. Just because one person dislikes your craft doesn’t mean you should undervalue it or your time and effort. 

Now as I’ve grown older, I see art as my life-long passion and a vital part of my growth. Through art I have made friends, left my comfort zone, learned self-expression and learned how to value myself and what I do. Art will always be a part of my life and it’s still helping me grow; had I decided to give up art I probably wouldn’t be who I am today. That’s why I encourage everyone to keep their passions because at the end of the day you choose what you do with it. 

 

• career
• confidence
• growth.
• lifestyle
• self-love