expression within me asking to be brought out into the world. Whether through music or
writing, I have always followed that spark, bringing my inner realm into the external.
Painting always felt like an intimidating force. I felt its gravity pull me, but I didn’t know
how to find my orbit, my originality within it. I spent many years fighting that gravity until
finally I surrendered. I am so thankful to my past self for the day I decided to sign up for
a watercolor class at Aims. Showing up in that classroom not only taught me technique,
but what I am capable of when I face my fear and push through my limiting beliefs. I
found power in trusting the process, confidence when approaching a crossroads, and
discovered that my originality had been waiting there for me all along. I witnessed the
importance of a deadline, how it motivates me to move forward. I found beauty in
community, my peers who were learning beside me, feeding me laughter and
inspiration, reminding me that none of us are truly alone in this world. While I continue
to express myself through several different mediums, painting will forever be a pillar in
my life. A place I can rest in, to find peace as my brush meets paper.