I’m not sure what it is, but it seems as if the past few years I have really started to figure things out as an artist. The first ten years after college graduation, I feel like I just stumbled in a perpetual plateau, not really growing as an artist, and not really seeing the big picture as a working illustrator. As I look back, I wonder how on earth could I not see the things that I can see today?!? I think part of the answer, for sure, has to do with just how sick I became after graduation and just how those ten years were really spent fighting for my life much more than they were for fighting for my art career.
While still not 100%, my rollarcoaster hell of health problems have seemed to leveled off a bit. I don’t get the great days I used to, but as a tradeoff, I don’t get nearly as sick either. This has allowed me to shift my focus a bit and to really just immerse myself into my career field.
Then my father died a year ago today. At only 62, it shook my world. My dad has always been a huge fan of my art, always doing what he could to promote me to his friends and family. Every piece I created I always did so for his approval, assured that I would get it. Knowing I will never again get that proud “atta-boy” smile as I show him my latest work devastated me. But then, as the conclusion of his memorial service, as I was still in shock and coming to grips with this new reality, I heard a very clear voice in my head. As I was walking out of the church, I remember very clearly it telling me, “get ready for your artistic renaissance.” I do not know what it meant, but I embraced it.
The premonition did not disappoint. It did take a while to pick up the pieces emotionally, but once I started working again, the progress moved in leaps and bounds. I am very excited by these new developments and in honor of my awesome dad, I can’t wait to see what great pieces I create next.
