Over the past few years, my artistic journey has undergone a profound transformation. I’ve shifted away from creating art solely for commercial success and popularity, embracing a more introspective and meaningful approach to my craft.
The Past: Painting for Profit
In the earlier stages of my career, my focus was primarily on financial success. I had mastered the art of creating popular pieces that sold well:
- Producing prints in various sizes
- Selling both online and offline
- Generating passive income “in my sleep”
- Choosing subjects and colors based on market demand
While this approach was undoubtedly profitable, it left me feeling creatively unfulfilled. Don’t misunderstand – I’ve always loved the art of selling, having spent many years in the business world. However, as circumstances in my life changed, I found myself yearning for something more meaningful.
The Present: A Shift Towards Introspection
Today, my artistic process has become a form of meditation and self-discovery. I’ve turned inward, exploring themes that truly matter in my life and in the world around me. My artwork now serves as a vehicle for contemplating our place in the universe, with each flower representing a microcosm of the greater cosmos.
From the Garden to the Canvas
My creative journey begins in the garden, where I seek inspiration and learn valuable lessons that inform my work. I’ve developed a new approach to translating these experiences into art:
- Writing stories and ideas that motivate each painting
- Focusing on the symbolism and deeper meaning behind each piece
- Embedding thoughts and messages within the artwork
- Striving for a richer interpretation beyond mere visual appeal
This process of writing has helped me find the language to express my thoughts more effectively, allowing me to infuse each painting with greater significance.
The Evolution of Style and Medium
My artistic evolution extends beyond subject matter and intent; it encompasses changes in both style and medium:
- Moving away from hyper-realistic floral and landscape paintings
- Embracing more simplified, minimal, and stylized forms
- Transitioning from digital painting back to traditional oils
- Reconnecting with the physical act of painting without technological intermediaries
This return to my roots has fostered a renewed sense of intimacy with my work. The absence of a $20,000 digital system between my body and the canvas has allowed for a more direct and personal creative experience.
A New Artistic Identity
As my forms have become more simplified and my thinking has deepened, I find myself relating less to traditional floral painters and more to:
- Meditative artists
- Minimalist painters
- Abstract expressionists
My work is no longer just about capturing the visual beauty of flowers, colors, or forms. It’s a reflection of my thoughts, feelings, and personal growth. The garden has become my teacher, offering universal lessons to those who observe quietly and attentively.
Art as a Spiritual Journey
This artistic metamorphosis has led me to a place where each painting is a manifestation of ideas, a symbol of personal and universal truths. By moving away from commercial considerations and embracing a more introspective approach, I’ve discovered a deeper, richer, and more meaningful way to create art. My journey serves as a reminder that true artistic fulfillment often lies beyond financial success, in the realm of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
