Dear reader,

We all know that art can be messy and unexpected. But everything will unfold the way it’s supposed to, especially if you remember your WHY. What is your reason to create?

Omg hey! Hope you had a good week. Glad you are back to read my next entry. Now that you hopefully have some understanding of what PaintsandPens is all about, I thought I could share a little bit about my mental journey when it comes to my art, and how I discovered my real purpose for creating without limits.

I’d say that both art and writing are things I’m equally passionate about, but art was my first love. And like most first loves, it’s a roller coaster ride full of the highest highs and lowest lows. I’ve had my fair share of art accomplishments, from being able to shade my first drawing to my pieces advancing to state-level competitions. But what a lot of artists don’t share on their platforms is the exact opposite of that: all the mistakes that lead up to it and the effect it has on their ability to create. There are times that I go weeks, maybe months without painting, wanting nothing to do with it. Why? Because I would mess up a drawing or painting and completely lose faith in my abilities.

“I suck at this.”

“I’m not skilled enough for this.”

That’s the dialogue I would have with myself. I never really understood how much of an affect it would have on how I viewed myself. It wasn’t until quarantine, being locked in my house with nothing better to do, that I remembered, “Wait, art is supposed to be fun.” I learned that I placed far too much value on the outcome of whatever I create; so much so that I had stopped enjoying the process entirely. And unfortunately, this is the point where most young artists give it up. And that makes me so sad because art is such a beautiful, introspective thing. It’s an opportunity to turn imagination and unrealistic ideas into tangible things. I mean, how cool is it that you could doodle a flying dog and color it green, just because you can! Rediscovering my passion for the process has really helped me to get to the place where I am right now with my art: creating fearlessly and inspiring others to do the same.

So I guess what I’m trying to say is if you can relate to this, or are currently going through it, you’re not alone! Not everything will turn out the way you envisioned, and there will be some unfortunate accidents but, looking at it now, it’s kinda part of the fun. Keep your WHY at the forefront of your mind, as a mantra to repeat whenever you feel your motivation decreasing.

Keep going,

Ameera

Question of the day: How did you spend quarantine?