Developing your artistic voice feels like going through middle school.

Middle school is HARD! Do you remember?

Twas the night before school pictures, and I decided I was going to curl my short hair by leaving sponge rollers in it overnight. If this was a weekend experiment, I would’ve pulled the rollers out and headed outside to run around the woods like Merida from the movie Brave, loving every second.

Instead, my mom let me go to school (really MOM? - you could’ve saved me!), dressed in prettier than normal clothes (I even wore a little silk scarf around my neck), with super curly short hair - and of course attracted a lot of looks and laughs because of the “new” look. Now to be honest, the picture doesn’t lie! I looked goofy as hell. I’m sure we all have at least one self expression middle school photo. Seriously, I want to see it!

Eventually, we settle into ourselves with a look and distinct personality that nobody questions because it is so authentically true. This past year, I’ve created - and shared A LOT of experiments while trying on new looks and processes. It’s simply a season every artist must go through.

But, thank goodness the seasons change and so do we! I’m settling into the fall armed with handful of experiments that ring true - and excited to drill deeper into my artistic voice. These paintings feel like a timeless diamond necklace instead of a pair of trendy hoop earrings.

P.S. Next week, I’ll be offering up the best of my sketches from this year. They are oh so lovely and represent a beautiful season of searching and artistic growth.