Image: Illuminating Creativity -The internal Light within by Harrison Lamoureux
In the ever-changing world of art and design, where trends come and go, one element remains timeless: the light. For artists and designers, finding that inner light—the essence that drives creativity and fuels purpose—is both a journey and a destination. It’s not always immediate, and it’s rarely easy. Yet, it is essential, for it is this light that gives every reason and purpose to do what you love.
The Light Behind the Leaves
Consider this: the leaves of a tree are transient. They grow, turn green, shift to red, and eventually wither and fall. Yet behind them, the light endures. The seasons may change, the leaves may fade, but the light persists, illuminating the path forward. As an artist, your task is to paint the light, design the light, and create the light. The leaves—your struggles, challenges, and fleeting moments—are part of the process, but they are not the essence.
This light is not always visible, and there are times when darkness envelopes us. As creatives, we sometimes dwell in shadows, unable to see the brilliance within. No amount of external help or advice can pull us from that darkness. However, a chance encounter, a meaningful moment, or a simple word from someone can ignite the spark that lights the way.
This light, once found, is transformative. It has the power to fill your life, to guide your creativity, and to give your work meaning. And here’s the truth: you have that light within you. Even if you don’t always see it, it is there, holding the whole world of your creativity together.
Staying in the Darkness
Sometimes, the journey to find this light can feel impossible. We might stay in the darkness for what seems like an eternity, trapped by doubt, fear, or comparison. In these moments, even the most well-meaning gestures from others might seem ineffective. But the beauty of light is that it only takes a single spark to break through the darkness.
For some, this spark comes from a person—a mentor, a friend, or even a stranger—who says or does something that shifts perspective. For others, it may come from within, during a quiet moment of reflection or while working through creative blocks. Whatever the source, this spark illuminates the path through the forest of self-doubt, showing you the way forward.
It’s a moment of clarity, a revelation that reminds you of your purpose. It’s the moment when you realize that your art, your design, your creativity matters—not because of external validation, but because it is an expression of your light.
The Eternal Light of Art
The light within you is timeless. It is what artists and designers strive to capture in their work. It’s what makes your art resonate, your designs impactful, and your creativity meaningful. The leaves—the temporary trends, the fleeting successes or failures—will always come and go. But the light you create, the light you share with the world, endures.
This is the lesson art teaches us: to love what you do, to follow your passion, and to find the light that leads you to your purpose. As an artist, your purpose is not to chase perfection or to meet every fleeting expectation. Your purpose is to illuminate, to inspire, and to express the beauty of the light within you.
Reflect on a time when you felt lost in the darkness. Perhaps it was a project that didn’t turn out as expected, a rejection that stung, or a period when inspiration seemed impossible to find. In those moments, it might have felt like the light had disappeared entirely. But then, something shifted.
Maybe it was a kind word from a colleague, a moment of connection with another creative, or even the act of picking up a brush or opening your design software. Suddenly, the darkness wasn’t so overwhelming. You caught a glimpse of the light again, and it was enough to keep going.
A Personal Journey to the Light
For me, the light came when someone showed me what I couldn’t see myself. They reminded me of the power within, the potential to create, and the ability to make a difference. Through my journey as an art coach and mentor, I’ve had the privilege of guiding artists and designers to find their own light—the unique spark that drives their creativity and purpose. That light has filled my life ever since, becoming a source of inspiration and a constant reminder of why I do what I love. Helping artists and people connect with their light is profoundly rewarding. There’s nothing more fulfilling than witnessing an artist break through the barriers of self-doubt, embrace their talent, and celebrate their success. It’s moments like these that embody the vision of ArtSHINE. Our mission is to help artists find their light and bring it to the world, empowering them to create with passion, purpose, and resilience. Seeing their journeys unfold, and their work celebrated, is a testament to the enduring power of that light
Creating the Light
As artists and designers, we have the unique ability to create light for others. Whether through a painting, a pattern, a piece of writing, or a design, we can illuminate the world around us. This is why finding your light is so important. When you embrace it, you not only transform your own life—you inspire others to find their light too.
The process of creating light is not always straightforward. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace the journey, including the challenges and failures along the way. But when you focus on the light, rather than the transient leaves, your work will shine with purpose and authenticity.
Back to Where the Light Burns Brighter
Sometimes, the light dims, and you need to find your way back to where it burns brighter. This might mean returning to the basics, reconnecting with what first inspired you, or seeking out new experiences and perspectives. It might also mean stepping away from the expectations of others and focusing on what truly matters to you.
Remember, the light is always there. It may flicker or fade at times, but it never truly disappears. As an artist or designer, your mission is to nurture it, protect it, and let it guide you.
Final Thoughts
The journey of an artist or designer is not linear. There will be moments of darkness and doubt, but there will also be moments of brilliance and inspiration. The key is to find the light within you—the light that gives you every reason and purpose to do what you love.
So paint the light. Design the light. Create the light. And in doing so, you’ll not only transform your own life but also bring beauty, inspiration, and hope to the world around you.
After all, it’s the light, artists, that lasts forever.
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