Evolution of Imperfection
Seven years ago, I dipped my brush into a world unknown. Armed with little more than YouTube tutorials, determination and passion for an idea. I didn’t know how to begin but I was STARVING for expression, I stumbled through paint strokes, canvases, sketches and attempts to chase the elusive visions trapped in my mind's eye.
Let's be real, looking back at my old art can sometimes feel like scrolling through a cringe-worthy time capsule. My perception was skewed, my skills lacking, and those women I painted? I desired to bring them to life in a way that I was unable and I was soooo EMBARRASSED about it. But I acted like I wasn’t and I continued showing the pieces, painting more and more women. Because amidst the imperfections, there was something sacred – a rawness, a vulnerability that whispered of stories waiting to be told.
You see, my art was never just about the figures. It was a sanctuary for silenced voices, a canvas where the pain of abuse and the struggle for autonomy danced in vibrant hues. With each brushstroke, I wove the threads of resilience not only for the women who came to me and shared their stories, but for myself as well.
When I started I had a poignant encounter with a woman that truly understood the power of my creations and the space that I was holding. However, she let me know that my coping mechanism of joking about my sexual trauma caused her to feel uncomfortable when she was in a space sharing the utter most vulnerable pieces of herself. This unearthed a truth I'd long avoided: to hold space for others, I first had to hold space for myself.
And so began a journey of self-love as radical as it was necessary. No longer defined by scars or societal expectations, I embraced the imperfect vessel that carried my spirit and found worth beyond measure.
Today, as I gaze upon the evolution of my art, I marvel not just at the brushstrokes refined but at the soul laid bare. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, to the healing power of creativity, and to the courage to be seen, flaws and all.
So, to anyone out there navigating their own journey of self-discovery, I offer this: embrace your truth, share your story, and know that in vulnerability lies unparalleled strength. You are art incarnate, worthy of love, and deserving of a space where judgment holds no sway.
XOXO,
Tiffany