The Art of Letting Go

This is a story most artists know well at some point in their careers. It's about my year in a creative funk and a personal paint project that unexpectedly brought me back.

This story begins with some fundamental truths; No matter how low I get, I'm so fortunate to have family and friends that keep me afloat and knowing that at my core, the path to creative freedom has always been following my curiosity without expectation.

Throughout that creative lull I felt like I was simply going through the motions. There were several moments of self doubt. Imposter syndrome's overpowering force had pretty much taken over.

In April 2023 I landed in New York, and I would never have dreamed a simple invitation to paint party would've sparked a new curiosity, leading me down a path to creative freedom.

Each image was created using an acrylic paint pouring technique, then using a macro lens to find my own unique abstracts within each chaotic scene. From initial hesitation and frustration, I progressed to delighted anticipation with each new playground I created. Each one ready for me to explore.

I went from sheepishly messing around with paint to excitedly sharing my creations with those closest to me. Ideas were swirling. All free time and energy was channeled into finding new ways to change things up. And one day I realized I had amassed a collection of images that I not only loved but couldn't wait to share.

I felt a renewed sense of hope. I started to think; Maybe I still have it in me. And on reflection now, the solution was glaringly obvious from the start. For the first time in quite some time, I was making art for the sheer joy of it. There was no expectation of producing something “good”. There was no audience to please. There was a complete and utter freedom of expression.

I had inadvertently discovered (and created) the art of letting go.