Meanings Unravelled: What Does My Art Symbolize For Me?

Why make art?

My most simple response is because making art is human nature. I believe everyone should create art, in one form or another. I make art for many reasons. I can say things I cannot put into words through my pieces. I love the way art can take on a new form depending on who is there to witness it. What it means to you may not necessarily be what it means to me, and I think that's beautiful. I would like to share specifically what some of my favorite art works mean to me, providing insight into my thought processes behind the scenes. 

"Growing and Blooming Along the Way"

This piece represents a moment amidst transformation. It is a visual representation of allowing yourself kindness during times of adversity. The spiraling lines symbolize growth that isn't linear.  I resonate a lot with this painting as someone has chronic pain. I am never pain free, yet I will bloom regardless, perhaps even because of this pain. The pain has taught me the things that truly matter, love, connection, and gratitude for all the little and big things. Clarity surrounding my values has given me new life. I live intentionally now. 

"Princess Self Portrait" 

This painting was inspired by a picture of me that my partner took. As someone who is in recovery from Anorexia, I have a very difficult time with being at war with myself, specifically my appearance. Painting a self portrait can be intimidating, but I've fallen in love with the process, as I can add details that come from within that can't usually be seen in just a photo. It eases some of the tension between my mind and body to know that I am more than my physical shell. The more you differentiate yourself from your outwards appearance, acknowledging that it is merely a vessel, and the least interesting thing about you, the freer you become. The painting represents where I am currently at with this process. I am not there yet, but I am becoming more free each day. I am sitting with the discomfort and it is turning into something beautiful. 

"Within"

When you love someone or something greatly, it becomes a part of you. You start to be reminded of that love constantly, it dwells within. This piece surrounds my love for pufferfish, my special interest. Through pufferfish, I began to love myself for the first time in a very long while. I started to allow myself to experience profound joy related to puffers. I decided a year ago that I would no longer hide this joy, even if it was deemed socially unacceptable. I will no longer hide who I am. I will feel the feelings that are layered deep inside of me. I will not be ashamed. 

"Currents of Love"

This multimedia piece is about creating an environment filled with love. It is symbolic to me due to how much I love sea creatures. This is a representation of my "happy place." It reminds me that in order to love others to the fullest, I must remember to be loving and kind towards myself first. I can do that by surrounding myself with people that support me and lift me up rather than tear me down, work on my tendency to tear myself down with judgment and negative self talk, and take care of myself physically by allowing myself to get proper nutrition and fluid intake. I have decorated my room in a way that inspired me. I will continue taking steps towards loving more. 

"Two Lilies"

This oil pastel and watercolor work symbolizes learning, growth, and befriending all the pieces that exist inside of you. Even past you, and your mistakes, even the things you fear were your fault. You can make friends with them too. There are other ways to live than in the past. You don't have to hate yourself after all. Lately, I've been working on forgiving myself, particularly the past versions of me. I have grown so much since those mistakes were made. I had to go through it to get to the point I am at now. I hold immense gratitude for the versions of me that fought so hard to stay alive. I am here now because of her. 

"Birth of Puffer"

Pufferfish are one of my favorite creations of the universe. I found myself when I found pufferfish, as I explained earlier. This is a visual representation of what it felt like to no longer hide or downplay my joy surrounding pufferfish. It felt like magic. It felt so free. I was finally me again, I hadn't felt so myself in years. It was experiencing the world through new eyes. Coming out of a deep depression, I found something that made life worth living. It was rebirth. 

Thank you for reading to the end! I appreciate you! 

XOXO, Lumie