Turning Point

This illustration is very meaningful to me, it represents a turning point in my art and my life after many years of trying to fit my art in many different types of "molds". I'm sure you know what I mean...

After I got out of college I started experimenting with lots of illustration styles and putting my work out there in the marketplace, but somehow I was never satisfied nor I felt strongly (or passionately) toward my art. I was feeling really frustrated and sad because I felt lost without a sense of direction in my art (like I have compromised). I knew my art was lacking spirit, direction and passion. It was totally boring to me!

I purposely stopped drawing for a while and decided to spend time meditating and praying for a sense of direction and purpose. Slowly I started sketching what I felt (without worrying if it would sell or not, or if other people may like it or not, etc..) I just sketched for months filling many sketchbooks...until one afternoon I grabbed my pencils and markers and created the illo above (a fresh new style for me!). I fell in love with it so much that I cried! My time arrived and I felt finally free! For days I stared at it like I couldn't believe I really did it, totally surprised at myself! (didn't care about perfectionism nor worrying about been too cute)...I'm was so happy!

This illustration represents a new chapter in my life, a new sense of direction. Now I just create what comes from my heart and I share it as is, hoping someone out there will be touched and their day will be brighter. Each illustration I create has a story behind it that's why they mean so much to me.

I encourage you to give yourself the opportunity to discover yourself through your art (whatever it is).

ps: Confession: I finally can say...cute & glitter are my things and I'm proud of it! LOL

Comments

[Paige Keiser]

Oh my goodness! Wonderful heartfelt post. I have been through the same thing (and still have times where I feel "lost" artistically.) Bravo for sharing this, and for continuing your artistic journey even through hard times.. Love your illustration and all of the charming details. :-)

--Paige

[pinky]

O, Mabelle, I almosted started crying as I read this. That is right where I am--the lacking of a style--and it's keeping me from drawing! I don't know what to do! I don't know if I should practice more and more, and one day it will just come? But it's so funny that I read this today, because I blogged a great big long sad blog about it last night. (Haven't posted it yet, still working up the courage to put it out there).

[Yvonne]

I love your style. I can't help it but I love all that cute girlish happy pink stuff and your work really reflects that. It must be so good to be surrounded by that daily. Keep all the good stuff Mabelle, you're doing great :o)

[Bec]

I saw your contribution to Penelope's Advent Calendar and had to stop by to see if there was more and there was and it's wonderful!

[Staley]

What an encouraging post. Brightened my day! And I love your advent illustration for Penelope. It's beautiful!

[violette]

Oh what a wonderful post! I am so happy that you are following your heart. Your illustrations are so lovely and heartfelt!!
I LOVE your illustration for Penelope's Advent Calendar....its amazing and so beautifully YOU!

Love, Violette

[Melissa]

How wonderful to be able to "find" yourself! Sure makes the creativity more fun. Thanks for sharing!

[nic]

Every time I intend to avoid 'cute', it just happens anyway. So just go with it. It's a dirty job, but someone's gotta do it.

[Kathleen]

I know exactly what you mean...years ago, there was this day where my sculpture instructor asked to see my personal sketchbook, because he wanted to see what my 2-D drawing style was like. So I handed it over to him, and he said "it's very stylistic, which I like...but you're style is so girly". boo-hiss on people like that. There is a special niche for every artist. I'm so glad you found yours!

[Giao]

Wow, what a great story, Mabelle! I love the style that has come to be your signature. It's just wonderful and joyful and YAY for you finding it when you did!

[jes]

This is such an inspiring post! I think we've all been there...(and some of us still are).

I can't believe that was your first of your new style! It's so darn cute....I love your "glittery" style!