Art and Photography: My Story

Today I thought I'd share a bit of my story with you. Since this blog is a place where I share my creative pursuits, let's look at my journey into the world of art and photography. At times, art and photography are almost magical. They give me a unique way of noticing, appreciating, and remembering life's little moments. I've loved all things creative since I was young. As a child I was always trying to convince siblings, cousins, and pets to dress up for little photo-shoots. I had a small drawing desk where I'd do portraits of various stuffed animals, who unlike my other subjects, always stayed still;)

I have always had an interest in art and photography, but somewhere in the junior high art studio and darkroom, I decided I was no good. I became discouraged with all facets of art during those early teenage years. That's when that old perfectionism stinker first entered my life. He told me I wasn't good enough and it wasn't worth trying. I looked at every less than perfect grade in an art class as evidence that I wasn't an artist like I had once thought.

I went on to take advanced art and graphic design courses, but always found myself feeling intimidated about majoring in art. I was strongly compelled towards studying the behavioral sciences and followed impressions to receive my degree in Marriage Family and Human Development. I don't regret that decision. I feel it was the best education I could have received and I am certain it has and will continue to bless my life in deeply profound and significant ways. I spent my college years working in the school district incorporating art into lessons whenever possible. I guess I really couldn't get away from it. I considered going on to be an art or music therapist, but somehow the therapy world didn't feel like the right fit either. Someday, I hope I'll get to have my dream of being a stay-at-home mom and artist. I think art and music bless the home in innumerable ways. For now, I'm a stay-at-home artist and I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful husband who supports me in the work I do.

It's been almost six years since I finished my studies at BYU. I've spent the better portion of that time working in the design and marketing world. After all these years, I am learning what it feels like to see myself as an artist again. While I am mostly self-taught, I find my photography is a lot like the way I play piano... I may not be the best at all the technical stuff, but I play pretty darn well by ear;) I'm drawing and creating more and more. I'm writing stories and music. My creative self is reawakening.

I can honestly say I don't know where all of this is headed. I know I have the talents and interests I do for a reason, I just don't quite know what that is yet. At times I see a glimpse here and there, but for the most part it is still unfolding. I hope at some point it all just kind of clicks and I find my niche. I know this blog is a bit of a conglomeration of scrapbooking, photography, home decor, and story telling, but it's an honest look into my journey of self-discovery. Thanks for sharing it with me. Looking forward to seeing where it will lead.

With Hope,
L