Art as a Journey: How the creative process evolves with time

Art is often described as a journey, one that doesn't follow a straight path but rather twists and turns, leading the artist to places they never expected. For me, this journey began with an exploration of photographic art—a medium that allowed me to not just capture reality but to transform it into something more. My artistic evolution has reflected my personal growth, my struggles, and my ongoing quest to align my creativity with my lifestyle. This is the story of how my creative process has evolved over time, shaped by both external circumstances and internal discoveries.

The Early Days: Transforming Reality Through Photographic Art

When I first embarked on my artistic journey, I was drawn to the world of photographic art. Traditional photography, with its focus on capturing reality as it is, never truly captivated me. Instead, I was fascinated by what could be done with a photograph after it was taken - the ways in which reality could be manipulated, transformed, and reinterpreted. For me, photography was not just a medium to document life but a tool to explore deeper themes and ideas.

I spent those early years experimenting with post-processing techniques, using them to alter and enhance my images. This approach allowed me to create works that went beyond mere representation, turning each photograph into a statement, a narrative, or an abstract exploration of a concept. It was during this period that I began to realize that art, for me, was not just about creating beautiful images; it was a means of self-discovery and emotional healing.

Art as a Tool for Healing and Self-Discovery

Art played a crucial role in my emotional healing process. As I delved deeper into my creative practice, I found that it allowed me to reconnect with parts of myself that I had long neglected. Through my art, I was able to explore my emotions, confront my past traumas, and gradually heal. It helped me reconnect with my femininity, something that had been lost to me for many years. The process of creating art - of manipulating images, of bringing my inner world to life on the screen - was deeply therapeutic. It helped me regain my self-confidence and clarity about who I am and what I truly want from life.

However, as much as I loved photographic art, I soon realized that it was not a medium that was easy to sustain financially. The kind of work I was creating, though visually striking, was not easily marketable. It appealed to a niche audience, and I struggled to sell enough pieces to make a living. This realization led me to explore other artistic avenues, which ultimately brought me to abstract painting.

The Shift to Abstract Painting: A Search for Stability

In search of a more sustainable artistic practice, I turned to abstract painting. The large, bold canvases I created during this period were a departure from the intricately edited photographic works I had been producing. The shift to painting was motivated by both financial necessity and a desire to reach a broader audience. For two years, I focused almost exclusively on painting, producing large-scale abstract works that resonated with a wider range of buyers.

Financially, this period was successful. I was able to sell my paintings and make a living from my art. However, despite this success, I found myself feeling unfulfilled. The process of creating these works, though lucrative, began to feel mechanical - like I was on a production line, churning out pieces to meet demand rather than to express something meaningful. The demands of painting large canvases also took a toll on my health and well-being. I found myself bound to a studio, spending long hours on my feet, which led to physical exhaustion and a sense of creative burnout.

It became clear to me that while painting had provided financial stability, it was not the right path for me in the long term. I missed the sense of freedom and experimentation that I had enjoyed with photographic art. I longed to return to a practice that allowed me to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what art could be.

Returning to Photographic Art: New Challenges and Limitations

After two years of painting, I made the decision to return to photographic art. However, I quickly found that the medium came with its own set of challenges. Creating the kind of photographic work I envisioned required significant resources - money, time, and access to specific locations, models, and equipment. Traditional photography is often a cumbersome process, involving travel, elaborate setups, and extensive post-production work. For someone with limited financial and physical resources, it can be incredibly difficult to produce even a single image, let alone an entire body of work.

This realization was disheartening. I had hoped that returning to photography would rekindle my passion and provide a fresh start, but instead, it felt like I was facing an insurmountable obstacle. The demands of traditional photography were simply too great for me to meet on my own. I needed to find a way to continue creating art that was true to my vision, without being bogged down by the logistical and financial challenges of traditional methods.

Embracing New Technologies: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in My Art

It was at this point in my journey that I began to explore the possibilities offered by new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). I realized that AI could provide a solution to many of the challenges I had been facing. With AI, I could create complex, layered images without the need for expensive equipment, travel, or extensive physical labor. The technology allowed me to experiment with new ideas, generate multiple iterations of a concept, and refine my work in ways that would have been impossible using traditional methods.

AI has become an integral part of my creative process. It allows me to bring my ideas to life in a way that is both efficient and artistically satisfying. I no longer feel constrained by the limitations of traditional media. Instead, I am free to explore new concepts, to push the boundaries of what art can be, and to create work that is truly reflective of my vision.

The Importance of Aligning Art with Lifestyle

As my creative process has evolved, so too has my understanding of what I need from my art practice. I have come to realize that it is not enough for my work to be financially successful or visually appealing. It must also be sustainable in the context of my life. This means that my art practice needs to align with my values, my health, and my desire for freedom.

I have learned that I am not someone who thrives in a traditional studio environment. The demands of working in a fixed space, bound by the routines and expectations of conventional artmaking, do not suit me. I need the freedom to move, to travel, and to explore different creative avenues. My health and well-being are closely tied to my ability to live a life that is flexible and responsive to my needs. This understanding has led me to embrace methods and technologies that support this way of life.

The Future of My Creative Journey: Balancing Art and Philanthropy

As I look to the future, I am excited by the possibilities that lie ahead. My art practice has evolved to a place where it is both creatively fulfilling and aligned with my lifestyle. But more importantly, it is now deeply connected to my broader goals and values. I have left behind the traditional art world, not just because of its limitations, but because I have found a greater purpose in my work.

I am committed to using my art as a means of contributing to the world in a meaningful way. This includes not only creating work that resonates with people on an emotional level but also using the proceeds from my art to support philanthropic causes. I am particularly focused on initiatives that provide hope and new opportunities to children and women affected by abuse and human trafficking. This work is deeply personal to me, and it drives much of what I do.

In this new phase of my journey, I am not just an artist - I am also an advocate, a supporter, and a connector. I believe that art has the power to change lives, not just through the images it presents but through the actions it inspires. By embracing new technologies and methods, I can create work that is both meaningful and accessible, while also making a tangible difference in the world.

My journey as an artist has been anything but linear, but each twist and turn has brought me closer to understanding who I am and what I want to achieve. As I continue to evolve, I am guided by the belief that art is not just about creating beautiful things - it is about making a positive impact, both in the lives of those who experience it and, in the world, at large.