2017 Reflections

2017

2017 has been a big year for me, not just for my art, but for my life. 2017: In February: I climbed some mountains, literally. May: bought a house, set up my studio, August: participated in an art exhibition, October: got married, was in my first craft show, launched my new website, November: published a coloring book, December: sold my first piece of art internationally, and in 2017 I grew my art business and so much more.

I decided to lay out some of my artwork that I've made this past year, all of it being in the last 4 months surprisingly. I stand here in my fuzzy socks that I constantly wear and look at my art, and I cannot believe that I painted all those pieces. I never in my life thought that I would be working in a free flowing and abstract art style. I was always so concerned about realism and that being the art style that I would work in, but I always loved looking at abstract art. I always wished that I could paint abstractly, but I could never get myself to a point where I liked anything that I was painting. I tried many different media; India ink, acrylic, oil, watercolor... but I could never find a medium that I liked... until this past August.

I discovered alcohol inks, and it has honestly changed my life. Who would think "oh a little bottle of ink can't change someone's life." Well let me tell you, it really has. I had been searching so long for a medium that satisfied this abstraction that was hidden deep inside me. Alcohol inks were that solution. The way I feel when I paint is completely new. I feel free, and for the first time in my life, I feel confident in my art. I let the inks blend and mix together, but I'm still able to control them. I embrace the unpredictable textures and details, and try to create something colorful and beautiful that can make anyone looking at it feel happy. It was finally a moment where my art and I just clicked.

I decided to try to let go of the fear that I had that my art and I were not good enough. I was tired of fear holding me back from the life that I wanted to live. I decided to create art everyday, to experiment with new colors and textures. I started sharing my new found love of alcohol inks on my art Instagram every single day starting on September 4. What a crazy and wonderful whirlwind that has been. I have received so many comments and likes on my art and I am in such awe and sooo very grateful. I have found a supportive and great community of other artists.

I can't believe what has come from this past year, I am a different person than I was in January. I have gained so many memories, happiness and confidence this year. I love where and who becoming. 2017 has been one of the greatest years of my life, and I am so hopeful for the future. Here's to an amazing 2018.