What Brings Me Joy As An Artist

Good day, my dears,

Originally posted on Patreon & Ko-fi October 11, 2024

I wanted to share with all of you some of the ways artwork and creativity brings joy in my life. 

Joy From Healing:

I originally started creating artwork as a way to process my emotions and heal from trauma. This still is a big reason why I do what I do even to this day. 

I created my Feminine Pride Artwork as a way to bring a sense of healing and empowerment to surviving SA and abuse. Each piece is made with the intention to shift away from the fact that women and feminine people experience sexual objectification and dehumanization in society on a regular, if not daily, basis. I choose to to use nature as a medium for my feminine figures as we find it easier to see the beauty and uniqueness in nature despite any faults it may have, be it broken limbs on a tree, a snaggled growth, or differences in species of of animals and plants. Blending nature with a feminine figure is my way of helping bridge the gap between our negative self thoughts about our bodies and the reality that we truly can see ourselves and beautiful and unique no matter our faults. 

Even with the seriousness behind each of these pieces, I still find a sense of absolute joy and love for each figure I create. Each one amazes me as I try to represent a different body shape, a different form and a different pose. I use it as a way to continue growing as an artist to practice two subjects at once - a subject of nature, and a subject of the human figure. Seeing how I study and learn as I continue creating Feminine Pride Artwork motivates me to continue onward on my journey. 

With each piece my hope is always that this artwork of mine helps provide others with a sense of healing from their own experiences in life. That they may know, even for a moment, that they are beautiful, no matter the stretch marks, no matter the scars seen and unseen, no matter the way their body changes over time.

Flower Hat Jellyfish - Censored

Joy From Connections:

The biggest thing I genuinely love the most about my art journey has been the amazing and beautiful connections I've made with others. I've made friendships with others that will last a life time, with other artists being some of the most genuinely motivating, encouraging, and supportive people.

I've had someone I am proud to call a friend contact me on Instagram to enquire if I'd sell a Mix & Match of earrings for them. I was so delighted and surprised they messaged me. I was nervous to tell them that shipping may cost a bit due to the costs in Canada, but they were more than willing to pay if the package went that route. They helped remind me that as an artist that people will pay for shipping costs even if it isn't "free or discounted", and they won't be rude or mean due to it. During and after the creation of their earrings we ended up becoming friends and I am so delighted that they are in my life. It's not something I expected.

I assumed that as I sold my creations that it would be very cold, one off discussions. Very business like. Instead each time I've been met with warm hearted and genuinely lovely people. And many times, we end up creating friendships out of it. 

I know that realistically this won't always be the case. But the fact that the few sales I've had have come with some heartfelt connections, is a huge reason why I will keep making artwork. It's not just for me, processing emotions, showing healing from a place of trauma. It's also about the people you meet and how you support each other in your lives no matter the distance or age.

In Conclusion:

Creating artwork is a great way to help you process your emotions, to provide space and opportunity to heal, and to create connections with others. You artwork doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to be a masterwork, and it doesn't even have to be one you personally love. The fact that you are expressing yourself and sharing a part of who you are in what you do, is what truly matters. 

I will always be grateful I took my first steps and continue forward with my art journey. It has provided me with so many amazingly beautiful connections, friendships that will last my lifetime. I'm able to provide something beautiful for others, be it a piece of representation for who they are and the journey they've taken, or just a lovely piece of artwork. 

These are all reasons why I will keep making artwork and why I'm even taking the huge steps forward to be a vendor at my very first art market in a week. I never, ever imagined I'd be vending at a market. But everyone I've met along the way have been so incredibly supportive, and so I feel like I deserve the chance, and to see if its something I enjoy doing. I also cannot wait to be able to provide Pride artwork for the LGBTIA community in my local area. 

I honestly look forward to seeing what comes next for me. And I genuinely wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for all of you. I cannot thank you all enough!

Much love,

Katherine

Chubby Wubby Dragon Art