Time to start anew

To exist is to be in a constant state of evolution. A choice is made, knowledge is obtained, growth occurs, a single path diverges into several paths, a choice is made and the cycle continues. To be an artist is no different. I have watched my creativity shift and change over the years as much as I have watched myself shift and change. Eventually, we outgrow what is familiar. There we are left with a choice; we can step out of our comfort zone into something new and terrifying in it’s vast unknown, or we can choose to stay in that ever shrinking familiar space. No matter the outcome of the former, good or bad, it will lead to some form of growth. We will come out wiser, bolder, and perhaps a little more compassionate. The latter, however, will always lead to stagnation and a general feeling of unfulfillment.

None of us can escape this fate.

If I have one regret from my earlier years as an artist, it is that I allowed myself to stay in that comfortable space far too often. Years later, I would learn that this is a common feeling among most creatives, and people in general. It is very human to be scared of trying something new. It is also very human to defy that fear and flourish in spite of it.

Here I am in this unknown space, starting over and trying something new and frightening. While I’ve had a website dedicated to art since 2007, and web building itself is nothing new to me, this is my first independent eCommerce site, and the first time I’ve dumped a considerable sum of money into simply showing people my art. But this space is so much more than showcasing a portfolio and selling art online. I want to curate this little corner of the internet into something truly special.

This will be my sanctuary for creativity, and I intend to share every last bit of it with you.

It is easy to get lost scrolling through newsfeeds of endless photos and drama. We are all susceptible to comparing ourselves and our art to those who we feel are doing so much better than us. What was meant to inspire us suddenly takes a dark turn; we start to feel inadequate, dejected, and downright depressed.

Not here.

While I hope my art will be a feast for your eyes, I want the content of this website to nourish your soul. I want you to walk away feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to move forward into your own scary unknown. At the very least, I want you to feel like the time you spent here was worth it.

I’ve always been somewhat candid about my struggles, both creatively and emotionally. There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, and with the toll COVID, social distancing, and an ever growing divide have taken on humanity, it is more important than ever to see that transparency from a fellow human. I would like to take you with me on this journey. You can check-in or out at any time, but I’ll be here when you’re ready to come back. For better or worse, we’ll see how it unfolds together, and maybe make something beautiful in the mean time.

Creativity is not a trait given to some and lacking in others. It is an inherent gift every human being possesses.

All you have to do is cultivate it. This process takes both time and effort, and we all grow at a different pace, but it is by no means impossible to anyone. Much like the blank website I’ve been filling in, or the blank sketchbook pages awaiting me, the first step is always to start.

— sAm