Our inner worlds are rich tapestries of emotions, memories, and experiences that mold our present and shape our future. Through my journey as an artist, I've come to understand that art isn't merely an act of creation; it's an act of revelation. Here's a reflection on how memories and inner guidance have played pivotal roles in shaping my art.

Sony a7riii | Velvet 56 | 2.8 | 1/180 | 1250

At the heart of every artist is an inner compass—a voice or intuition that guides their creative choices. This internal guide often becomes stronger with experience and self-awareness. It's the force that urges an artist to take risks, try a particular technique, or communicate a certain emotion. For many, it's what separates their unique artistic voice from others.

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Every artist carries a treasure trove of memories, some joyful and some painful. Memories are powerful conduits of emotion. An artist often taps into these reservoirs to draw inspiration. A scent, a sound, or a fleeting image can transport one back to a specific moment in time, awakening a rush of emotions. These feelings, when translated into art, make the artwork deeply personal and relatable. Self-portraits, for instance, can be seen as visual fragments of memories, experiences, or emotions immortalized in a frame.

One of my fondest memories dates back to the fairy tales my grandmother read to me as a child. Those tales weren't just stories; they were my introduction to a world of magic, wonder, and infinite possibilities. It's where my deep-rooted love for fairy tales was sparked, an influence that resonates in my work today.

However, not all memories are easy to share. Some memories are enshrouded in pain and shame, memories I've chosen not to verbalize.

My initiation into self-portraiture was a path to healing. It provided a refuge, a safe space where I could confront and process a particularly painful chapter in my life. Through art, I discovered the strength to reclaim my narrative, transforming pain into purpose. Through art, I've found a way to process and heal. Over the years, my self-portraiture, in many ways, became my voice, allowing me to release the suppressed emotions I held within.

The combination of inner guidance and memories creates a rich tapestry of experiences. An artist's intuition might guide them towards portraying a certain memory in a specific light, emphasizing some aspects while downplaying others, based on what resonates most with them at that moment. This dance between the past (memories) and the present (inner guidance) shapes the future—the art that gets created.

Finding one's artistic voice can be a winding journey, but when I allowed my intuition and inner guidance to take the reins, I discovered my true vision. Embracing this inner guidance was like finding a compass that always pointed true north, guiding me through the vast landscape of artistic expression.

As self-portrait artists, each self-portrait can be seen as a visual exploration of your inner psyche, shaped by past memories and driven by current intuition. Your work becomes a journey wherein you navigate the terrain of your mind, guided by the lantern of inner wisdom, and each image is a stop or a revelation along this path. This blend of memories and guidance not only gives depth to your artwork but also makes it universally relatable, as viewers see a reflection of their own journeys and emotions in it. It warms my heart when viewers resonate with my work, seeing echoes of their own memories reflected back at them. It's a testament to the universality of human experiences. Even if our stories are different, the emotions they evoke can be strikingly similar.

Art is more than just what meets the eye. It's a dance of the soul, memories, and intuition, constantly evolving and surprising us. As we move forward, let's remember to embrace the memories that shape us, trust our inner guidance, and celebrate the universality of human experiences.

✨As a Lensbaby Ambassador, I'm proud to work with tools that mirror the timeless tales my heart seeks to express. You can save 10% on your next Lensbaby purchase with the code wsharon at checkout! Have a question? DM me!