Personal Writing

I recently wrote this piece for my English course class. I thought it would be nice to share some of my personal writing with you.

(Please share some of your thoughts about this piece...) 

       Usually when someone asks me "Who are you?" the first word that comes to mind is artist. I am artist, eccentric, colorful being emerging herself in her creative ability. Many people would envision watching a painter in a frenzy creating vivid interpretation of life. Yes, that is a layer of who I am but also someone entangled in the beauty of life, exploring the capabilities of its pleasures. Life is art. I am constantly evolving, stretching, and eliminating the limitations of one's expectation of what is art.

        Over the summer, I spent time thinking and reflecting on how to break barriers within myself. Many evenings I spent journaling, mediating, and reading; searching for new ways to explore my mental being. I made some new discoveries such I have issues with anxiety. Anxiety has been the source of under achievements. The fear and tension weighs so heavy on the heart at times it is unbearable to move forward. There has been many opportunities overlooked because the lack of confidence. This is something I really regret. Unraveling the ties of this discovery was not comfortable at all but helpful insight. It begins to shape my outlook on myself.

         One thing I accomplished this summer that I am proud of was emerging back into the local art scene. After many conversations with friends and mentors, I decided it was time to face this fear of mines. An opportunity arose out of nowhere. The event was a live painting session at festival called Naturally Fly Detroit, dedicated to women of color with natural (non chemically straighten, i.e. curly) hair. I agreed to "perform" at time event. Sweaty hand palms, beads of sweat on my forehead and trembling, I went in thinking to myself, "How can do this?... Would they even like my artwork?"

     While I painted quietly to myself, many participators admire the painting in progress. They asked questions about training, inspiration, and contact information. I was completely shocked! If I had let my fear dominated over me, I would have missed this lesson of life. There would not be progress to follow. Life's paint brush would be dry and my canvass would be empty. Now when people ask me what is my favorite piece of art? I respond that is a work in progress, my evolvement as a growing young woman, shaping and molding of myself. Yes, indeed I am artist and art.