For the past two years now, I have been getting inspiration from all sorts of illustrators, and challenging myself, by copying their style. I enjoy looking at the details, noticing the uniqueness that each illustrator has to offer, the type of brush, the colors and shades they use. I also went through a period of time, where I was fascinated by the ones who did not use any contours in their designs. Symbolically, I felt that the “contour” curtailed me in my life. The impossible was not feasible.

Last year, I was studying Creative Advertising, in my first year at a University in England. This was the time, when I was desperately trying to get rid of the contours in my work. Despite the efforts, the progress was very little. During the summer months, I realized that I did not like what I was studying for all sorts of reasons. The “whisper” of my soul spoke to me … I felt that my studies were ultimately about materialism, overuse of technology, and that I would have to produce creative works on demand, with specific specifications and in a specific timeframe.

So, I took a bold decision. I decided to withdraw from my studies, and in order not to rush into new studies, I decided to give myself, the space and time to think, to start getting closer to answering the question “Who am I?”! I decided that I would not put a limit on “time”, the word, that people including myself constantly worry about. I decided that I was a free spirit now, and that I was able to “steer the ship” to whichever direction I wanted. I realised that in this time and space I want to get to know myself better, while meeting the world, meeting people, feeling, listening, observing, tasting, smelling. To “live”, something I may have never done in this lifetime before.

Now, a month later, I have begun to feel a liveliness and a freedom, which, indeed, I was right, I have not felt before. And the most exciting news of all? Without any difficulty, the painting I finished yesterday had no outline!

To be honest, following your heart can be challenging and it is not the easiest thing in the world! There are reactions, and intense logical thoughts which can stop you from doing so. However, there is something I have learned from this experience. When you follow your heart, you also help all humanity by giving it your Best Self. And then, all problems of “reason”, such as money and toxic commitments, are resolved and somehow transmuted into positive experiences.

Serena (19). Her life’s philosophy is: “to be authentic, simply live in the mind of a child!”.

Email: sdavies.st@gmail.com

Photo by Matheus Bertelli from pexels