In my last blog post, I talked about how essential purpose is, especially a meaningful purpose, as we enter the “second half” of life. Specifically, I’m grappling with the question: How do I find a meaningful purpose in creating art now?
A Career Shaped by Life
My path to becoming a professional artist was a little unusual. In school, my strength was always math and traditional academics. I enjoyed art as an elective and a hobby, but it wasn’t the focus.
In college, I initially pursued math-oriented degrees like engineering and accounting, yet I kept piling on the art classes. I eventually switched to Interior Design, hoping for a more “practical” art-related career. When that proved too long and expensive, I moved to Fine Art, where I was able to graduate much quicker, making art my formal focus.
For most of my adult life, art was a wonderful career that allowed me to prioritize my family. Since it’s not a 9-to-5 job, I worked it around raising my kids. Initially, I mainly taught classes and sold art sporadically. Once my youngest started kindergarten, I built a nice little business through teaching, art markets, and commissions(mostly pet portraits).
Later, as the recession hit and my oldest left home, I sought a more reliable career. I went back to school and got a Master’s in City Planning, focusing my research heavily on sustainability and education. This eventually led me into environmental education, which felt like a natural fit because I loved teaching and connecting with people. In both art and environmental education, I felt like I was giving back by igniting inner creativity or teaching how to better care for the world.
Even during those years, I never completely stopped creating. I continued showing work in galleries and taking on the occasional commission. After our move to Florida and the pandemic shutdowns of 2020, I decided it was time to commit to art full-time once again.
Redefining My Contribution
But what does “full-time art” mean now? My purpose used to be clear: art was a supplement to our income, and teaching was a primary vehicle for connection and giving back.
When I was in the studio, the joy for me was simply the act of creation itself…learning new techniques and exploring materials. The end results were usually visually appealing, but I never felt the call of a muse or a profound, existential story to tell.
Why does this matter now? Because I’m no longer teaching, and a part of me is deeply questioning: Is my art contributing to making the world a better place? Is it just pretty fluff? Or, worse, is it a selfish pastime? I want to feel like I’m contributing to society, not just painting pretty pictures.
I think this self-doubt is fueled by old college teachings…that for art to be “real,” it had to be angsty, groundbreaking, or make a compelling, profound statement. If it didn’t prompt thoughtful, serious staring, it was “just fluff.” Unfortunately, this limited view often discourages other artists, leading them to believe their work can’t be too realistic or, heaven forbid, match the sofa.
I’m calling bullsh*t on that idea.
My New Purpose: Story and Well-Being
I believe art can evoke feelings far beyond angst. People can look at art, pretty or not, and find their story in it, relive a cherished memory, or simply be filled with a sense of peace. Art can remind you of a person or a place that just feels good.
In recent years, I’ve thought extensively about stories and storytelling, especially through my studies and the experience of emerging from the intense phase of child-rearing. Art is no longer a side thing to my main job of raising kids; art is my main thing, and I need it to be meaningful, not just to me, but to resonate with others.
I’ve leaned into how creativity can help women feel useful, empowered, and voice their stories. Creativity is a key element in well-being and emotional fulfillment for everyone.
My new purpose is clear
Invoking memories, telling stories, and invoking a sense of well-being is the mission of my art and my creative life.
It was with this thinking that I started my YouTube channel, Creative Soul Life. While I initially saw the channel as separate from my painting, I’m now realizing they are completely linked. My art is my story, and sometimes my story touches yours. When you look at my work, you might find enough similarities to feel your own story reflected there.
My new purpose is clear: Invoking memories, telling stories, and invoking a sense of well-being is the mission of my art and my creative life. This is one of the reasons why I’ve lost the desire to teach just skills-based classes and want to move toward helping others unlock or develop their own inner creative voice.
This shift feels deeply meaningful, and I know it’s going to be the driving force for my “second half” of life.