Life Coaching Homework

So I am currently having sessions with a very lovely life coach from 'Quiet Connections' which is a very interesting experience because I get to choose the direction of the time we spend together. Something we have been exploring is my voice as an artist (after I finished laughing at the idea of calling myself an artist). After my thought-provoking session on Monday, I was left pondering what I want to say creatively to the world.

What is your voice? What do you want to express? This isn't a commission and you haven't been given a reference image to paint on some shoes. This isn't for the purpose of advertising your Transgender support group or for a Cornwall Pride event stall. This is you. Just you.

Honestly, I had no idea what to say and was a little concerned that a week would not be long enough to come up with something. Perhaps, I haven't allowed myself the time to slow right down and look inside myself lately because I have been worried about what I might find. Another part of me thought "what's the point in producing 'self indulgent' art?"

I produced my canvas "Take Time" last night and just followed my instinct. Firstly I knew it needed a dark night sky background. Then I knew it needed a bright white shape as a key feature. Then I knew it needed a lone androgynous figure in the light taking time for their-self. It happened quickly at first, then as I added the final details of the figure and the words, I felt myself slowing down and realising what I was expressing through the painting.

As a person who experiences mental ill health and struggles to find their place in the world at times, I quite often feel 'lost in space'. This isolated darkness can be all consuming if you let it take over, but allow yourself to step into some light and practice self-care. This is just one little canvas but has made me experience an emotional reaction.

Maybe this is the first step in finding my voice as an artist?