2020: The Year I Claimed My Art

“Challenges lie ahead. But do not get discouraged. You are meant to overcome them. This is the year to claim your art.”

My oracle cards spoke loud and clear. As I was flipping through my 2020 journal, I found myself rereading the pages that were written within the first week of January. They were filled with inspirational affirmations and messages from my intuitive readings. I was amazed at the accuracy of these messages but also taken back by what the year truly had in store. If only I knew then, I thought, what “challenges lie ahead.”

Reflecting and analyzing this past year is quite different than any other, as we all know the difficulties we had to encounter during this pandemic. Despite it all, I saw strength in the midst of chaos. The pages of my journal evolved into hope, as I remember feeling doubtful during the uncertainty but I noticed a repetitive written affirmation: I claim my art.

Art, I figured then, was suppose to mean creating paintings. I didn’t know then that it would become something more; my source of strength as I faced my shadow. Recurring patterns of self defeat would cloud my dreams but, I persisted towards reaching my goals. I had to stay focused. I devoted countless journaling sessions into imaginitive writing which in turn, were manifestations in the makings. I asked myself on several occasions: What makes your soul light up? After some time and a numerous amount of meditative sessions, I heard a whisper from my soul: art is a lifestyle.

Then it dawned on me. I had always loved the idea of being a walking canvas. From the color of my hair to what I cooked in the kitchen; all an be categorized into art. Life is art, we are art and any contrast we experience, motivates us to create. In creating, we find a sense of self connection, happiness & freedom to express ourselves. I never truly embodied this idea in the past, due to teaching dance, work or self doubt, but this year drove me to wear the many hats that were made for me. I just needed to work up the courage to believe in me.

Shadow work and creativity worked hand in hand for many. I wasn’t alone in the contrast that presented it self to the collective. Proof of this were in the endless posts that showed up on my social media feed. I noticed that many were inspired to take a step inward, some advocated for a new way of life, others found creative solutions to stay afloat and the rest seemed to discover their creative gifts. The age of art was reborn, as the world dealt with COVID; along side other issues such as mental health, social justice, equality, and financial struggle. Isolation revealed what was suppressed and we found numerous ways to express our struggle. Expression became our ART.

In times of crisis, we turn to different forms of creative expressions. For example, during WWII, the government use to shipped out comic books, featuring Captain America, to our troops, in order to inspire hope. Or what Isaac Newton? He dug into his craft and discovered gravity while in quarantine around the year 1665. The power of creativity is our strength; the light to our shadow.

After the announcement of a lockdown, earlier this year, I scrambled into survival mode. I’d say it took about two months to find my rhythm. I was in a bit of a slump, overeating, and depressed, due to a stifling living situation. I tried to dance, work out or create but, I felt as if I was dragging my feet in order to keep my spirits alive. My partner and I knew, we needed to find a creative solution.

It started with making a commitment to ourselves. We decided to start connecting with nature and began working out in secluded parks. Also, we taught virtual dance fitness videos and had lots of fun doing so! We detoxed our bodies for a week, by consuming veggies, fruits, & broths, which jump started our motivation. We woke up at 5am, instead of sleeping in until 1pm, in order find a moment to meditate. That’s when our creative juices began to boil; inspiring us to explore various creative ventures such as painting, baking collaging, writing, or filming.

My curiously in knowledge developed as well and I felt led to take various courses on social media marketing. Also, I stumbled across different seller apps and began exploring its algorithms. A friend of mine helped me to understand it better and I was in awe! What came of it, was connection, confidence and sales. I’ll never forget the first painting I sold on Mercari. That’s when I knew, I was officially a business woman. It was the beginning of something greater.

The next couple of months flew by, as the universe continued to pour its many gifts into my life. For starters, my partner and I found our perfect home, and we said good bye to our suppressed living situation. We welcoming a new kitten into our home, as a house warming gift to ourselves. I formed business relationships, while my art sales increased virtually and also, in person; through social distanced outdoor artisan events. To top it off, an art gallery in Milan, Italy saw my artwork and asked me to be part of their international show; something that I’ve always dreamed of. I couldn’t believe that all this happened during a pandemic!

As this year comes to a close, reflecting and flipping through the last pages of my journal has been a humbling experience. I learned, grew and keep doing my best, as we navigated into the unknown. This pandemic may have caused the world to pause, yet it challenged me to seek creative opportunities and stay positive. What holds us back, is often ourselves and sometimes, when unforeseen circumstances occur, such as this pandemic, it can motivate us to reach for the stars and follow the shining light within. It’s uncomfortable, possibly painful but in the end, worth it.

2020 has unveiled a profound gratification for the moments that make up life. We may never know what tomorrow may bring (even if our tarot decks provide us some insight) so might as well do what we love and create the life we desire! We are natural creators, so why not embrace it? I came to realize that claiming my art, was meant as a metaphor to claim me! Without claiming who I am meant to me, my inner world wouldn’t be as beautiful and colorful as it is today. If I can do it, I promise that you can too. So with that in mind, are you ready to claim your craft in 2021?