An Artist 's Journey

I never thought I would be an Artist.

I couldn't draw a stick figure without my hand shaking because of my quadriplegia, it looked as if Picasso had a stroke!

The need to create has always been present in my life.

Creativity manifested in different ways such as stand up comedy, poetry, and script writing.

This all changed when I was introduced to acrylic paint and a white canvas.

My friends and I would get together and in our inebriated, substance-fuelled state we would have art sessions for self-expression, as an inexpensive way to spend a Friday night in.

The aim was to freely use the paint and allow your talent to develop without inhibition.

Resulting in a beautiful mess, disorganised, an organic chaos.

I viewed it as a fun activity to create intriguing pieces.

Then the pandemic hit!!

Being stuck indoors with not much to do, I decided to transform my living room into an art studio.

Creating pieces of art solely for myself seemed to fill my days. Without it, I might have lost my mind, wearing my pants on my head and singing "Goodbye Horses" in the mirror.

Before I realised it, I had a collection of work.

I couldn't stop; I was obsessed!

As the world began to move again, people witnessed the outcome of my creative hibernation. I received positive feedback and encouragement, which led to a request for me to create a three-part series for a corporate music studio.

I was astonished that people would pay for my work to be displayed for everyone to see. I experienced a significant bout of imposter syndrome.

When I began working on the commissioned art, I felt nervous and unsure. The reason is that I always painted without concern, aiming only to impress myself. When I began to worry about others' opinions, it temporarily hindered my creativity.

Feeling frustrated because I had less than a week to finish the project, I began painting with the mindset that if the result was awful, I could simply return the money.

It was effective; I began quickly producing one piece of art each day. Before long, I had three pieces ready for display. I was pleased with them, and now it was up to the outside world to deliver their verdict.

Success! Not only did they approve, but they also applauded, and I went on to sell a few more pieces. After sharing my work to the world through Instagram and Facebook, people are showing interest in it and giving me recognition. I'm not sure I deserve it, but who cares I paint for me.

I hope while reading this, you feel inspired in some way.

Be creative, show the world who you are, and be unapologetically bold and beautiful.

Thank you for reading, please buy my work and support me on this journey.

Until next time,

God Bless,

David Alexander.