Creative Freedom

Howling wallpaper is my latest exploration into uncommon wallpaper art – featuring the charming Howler Monkey.

What does freedom mean to you?

As a parent of two energetic young girls, running a bustling cafe art gallery, I often find myself pondering the true essence of freedom. In the midst of juggling family responsibilities and the demands of entrepreneurship, I’ve come to realize that for me, freedom lies in the realm of artistry.

Being an illustration artist isn’t just a profession; it’s a gateway to liberation. It grants me the autonomy to explore my imagination, express my innermost thoughts, and breathe life into my creations. Each stroke of the brush and every line drawn on the canvas represents a moment of absolute freedom, untethered by the constraints of reality.

One of the most precious freedoms that art affords me is the freedom of time. In a world dictated by schedules and deadlines, having the flexibility to immerse myself in the creative process at my own pace is truly invaluable. Whether it’s stealing a quiet moment during the day or staying up late into the night, I cherish the ability to let my ideas flow organically, uninterrupted by the passage of time.

Creativity thrives in moments of idleness. The freedom to allow my mind to wander, to embrace boredom as a catalyst for innovation, is essential to my artistic journey. It’s during these seemingly mundane moments that inspiration strikes, and ideas begin to germinate, eventually blossoming into works of art that resonate with emotion and depth.

Embracing freedom also means embracing imperfection. As an artist, I’ve learned to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth and discovery. Each errant brushstroke and every flawed composition serves as a reminder of the beauty inherent in the human experience. Through my art, I celebrate the freedom to be flawed, to make mistakes, and to learn from them without fear of judgment.

Yet, amidst the pursuit of creative freedom, I often find myself ensnared in the trappings of the modern world. The relentless pursuit of financial stability threatens to overshadow my artistic aspirations, pulling me away from the very source of my liberation. It’s a delicate balance, navigating the demands of commerce while staying true to my passion for art.

But I remain steadfast in my conviction that true freedom lies in pursuing my artistic dreams. It’s not about escaping the realities of life, but rather embracing them with a creative spirit that transcends the mundane. With determination and perseverance, I believe that I can find a way to sustain myself as an artist, without sacrificing the essence of what makes me feel truly alive.

In the bustling confines of my cafe art gallery, surrounded by the laughter of my children and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, I find solace in the knowledge that I am living a life of purpose and passion. Through my art, I’ve discovered a pathway to freedom—one that empowers me to create, to express, and to inspire others to do the same.

So, as I continue on this journey of self-discovery and artistic expression, I am reminded that true freedom isn’t found in the absence of constraints, but rather in the boundless expanse of creativity that lies within each and every one of us. And for me, that is the true essence of freedom.