I’ve found some new(‘ish) inspiration lately for my ‘art’, which I’d like to share.
Basically, I enjoy art, and I have for quite some time, but unfortunately the past few years I’ve not had the motivation/confidence/inspiration to produce any.
Realism was always a favourite of mine, probably because I was better at it then I was at any other type of fine art. In school I was told I had to find my ‘niche’ or ‘focus’ with my art, or something like that. I wasn’t too thrilled because frankly, I had no idea what I wanted to draw or paint. I just knew I enjoyed taking real images (either real, still life, or photos) and creating them into something more beautiful.
For the past few years, I’ve had this conflict within myself to find the motivation of some sort to get back into art. The main conflict was that I was growing up and gaining more responsibility, and more independence (especially financially), so there wasn’t a lot of room for a significant amount of art supplies and time to play around with them.
Another issue was that I knew I was blessed with a certain amount of artistic talent, God gave me a little gift and I did not really want to waste it.
So how does one use their God-given gifts to their full potential, when they’re young, independent and not totally financially stable?
Let’s veer off to another topic for a moment.
God also gifted me with the talent of building relationships. My dad has always told me about my type “I” personality (google D.I.S.C.). I love being around people. I love working in the hospitality industry, I love meeting new people and I love leaving them happy. I feel accomplished when guests at my workplace compliment the food and service, and I love passing on those compliments.
Based on that knowledge, there’s probably no way I’m going to lock myself in my room for hours painting or drawing all alone. I’d more than likely go crazy.
Now, we add photography to the mix.
Photography to me, is digital art, with a huge technical side to learn. But guess what? It completely enables me to meld my passion for people and art all together into one.
I’ve only had a DSLR for about a year now, but after a lot of practise, shot after shot, and making mistakes, I’ve changed brands, upgraded my gear, and have grown leaps and bounds in my photography knowledge.
I wasn’t completely sure at first if my ‘niche’ was shooting people, but I know now 100% that it is. After completing my first wedding, it’s all I dream about. Literally; I’ve been dreaming about wedding photography at night.
Did I mention that I love ‘love’, and the portrayal of love for one another? What could be more beautiful? Hence, desiring to capture those moments on a day where everywhere you look, there is love.
I couldn’t tell you what God has up His sleeves for me in terms of this new found love of mine, but I do know that in my heart of hearts I enjoy it to no end, and am going to pursue it for as long as He allows me to. I still have a LOT to learn, and a long way to go, but my hope is that I’ll always be wanting more and more. There will never be a time when I’ll stop wanting to learn.
So, all that being said, my most recent inspiration comes from an award winning photojournalist type photographer from Manhattan, New York; Susan Stripling. Her art blows my mind, and if one day even some of my images can mimic her type of style (along with my own), then I will be thrilled! And if I could only afford her, I’d have her do my own wedding one day too.
Please enjoy her beautiful work!
