The Unconventional Path of an Artist
Have you ever felt like you're on a solitary journey as an artist? "I'm the only one in my family who pursues a creative life." No one seems to understand me because I refuse to settle for a conventional, secure career. Have you ever had these thoughts?
An art gallery owner once told me, "An artist is never satisfied." It's true—we can never settle for a mediocre, comfortable life, drifting from one day to the next. We long for a life that makes an impact! We desire to live meaningfully and change the world.
Whether you're a hidden artist, a hobbyist, or a professional, if you're reading this, you probably share these sentiments. You likely know exactly what I am talking about!
The Soul of an Artistic Parent
I truly believe we are never truly alone. Even if our immediate family lacks artistic members, we likely have ancestors who harbored creativity in their hearts—dreamers and hidden artists, unable to openly pursue their passions. History is full of artists recognized only after their passing, as times were not always as favorable as they are now for pursuing an artistic life.
I had this revelation while writing a letter to my father, as suggested by my therapist. Seated at the table, I confronted my suppressed emotions about our relationship, and before long, tears began to fall. I recalled how my father entered my life late, and how our time together lacked the protection, empowerment, and trust I needed as a teen. It was so painful then that I once wished I had never known him.
As years passed, my feelings towards him softened. I always tried to understand him, especially during periods in my life when I found myself feeling just as he might have. Even though I didn't know him well in life, there was an inexplicable sense of understanding—"I feel like you," I found myself saying in those circumstances.
As we grow older, the desire to understand our roots becomes more profound. Who was my father? Who am I through my father's lineage? These questions have become increasingly important to me recently.
A Conversation Beyond Time: Finding Connection Through the Creative Calling
My therapist encouraged me to write a letter from my father's perspective—an exercise in free-flowing thought, guided by intuition. As I embraced this process, I felt an unexpected connection to his soul, uncovering answers to questions I had carried for so long. To my surprise, these answers already resided within me, waiting patiently to be inscribed on paper and reflected upon.
My father, too, was an artist; his career in journalism masked his true passion—a love for writing, a passion we shared for many years. While art has now taken precedence in my life, writing remains dear to my heart.
Much like myself, my father dreamed of a life steeped in creation. Although he created, he may not have done so as extensively as he wished. Yet, are we ever truly content with the breadth of our creations? His ambition mirrored mine—to pursue his passion unencumbered by the demands of working for others. His deepest aspiration was to craft a legacy through his writing. This revelation moved me profoundly, for it mirrored my own desires. However, life's burdens never afforded him the chance to fully realize his dream. He postponed his pursuit, believing the right time would come—a time that ultimately eluded him. He left this world with his dream unfulfilled, a silent echo within his soul.
As I contemplated the second letter, writing from his perspective, a profound realization dawned on me—I now have the opportunity to fulfill his unrealized dreams by living my passion and continuing my unique creative journey.
Have you ever felt an unspoken connection across time with your relatives or ancestors? Perhaps you've noticed yourself experiencing life or emotions in a way that mirrors those of your parents or someone significant to your journey. I would love to hear your story.