Connections and Gratitude Through Artwork
Good day, my dears,
As I continue my journey with artwork, I cannot express how much gratitude and joy I feel for the support I've received along the way. Artwork helps me connect with others, connect with my loved ones, and learn how to appreciate myself as well.
The lovely people I've met on Threads has been amazing from the beginning. I've made life long friendships from it, something I haven't experienced anywhere else. The art community there is what has helped me feel supported enough to believe in my own self, to believe that I can create and sell my artwork. Meeting other Queer artists has been wonderful, seeing how we all encourage one another and dismantle -phobias and gatekeeping within the LGBTQIA+ community.
The loved ones in my life have been such endearing supports too. From offering to lend things for my market display, to brainstorming ideas for creations, and helping create display pieces. Even people I've only known for several months have been so heart-warmingly supportive! I absolutely love talking to my loved ones about artwork, future ideas, and collaborating together to create pieces that remind me of them.
I like to believe that when one creates from such places of love, appreciation, connection, and joy, that it shows through the artwork, even chainmail and scalemail. It's one of the beliefs I hold dear, the idea that our artwork will speak to others because of who we are, even if someone creates something similar. I remind myself of this belief whenever there's worry that my pieces might be copied, stolen, or similar to another's. I don't own the chainmail and scalemail designs. I don't like gatekeeping artwork, nor bothering to get upset that someone else was inspired to create similar pieces. There's only one of me, and why not have multiple Queer artists (for example) selling in multiple areas? Why not spread the Pride of being apart of the LGBTQIA+ community and show that we're going to be here and accept and love one another?
Artwork and creativity is apart of community. And to me, the interconnectedness between different people is one of the most amazing and beautiful parts of this journey. We each learn and grow from our experiences in life, from trauma we've experienced, and from supporting our loved ones as they go through their own unique situations in life. I feel so much incredible honour, not to be able to sell my artwork, but that I am able to appreciate and love the people I meet along the way in new ways.
Your art journey is for you, as much as it is for everyone you share your creations with. You deserve the support and encouragement you receive, no matter what anyone has told you in the past, no matter what your insecurities tries to tell you. You deserve to feel joy, freedom, and connection throughout your journey in art, just as in life.
Much love,
Katherine,
Chubby Wubby Dragon Art