I’m an Artist: From Devastating Grief to Wonderful Workshops

I am an artist. However, that simple sentence carries a story I never expected to tell. It's a story shaped by loss, rebuilt through creativity, and now shared through the joy of helping others discover their own artistic voice. If you had told me years ago that I would one day be selling my paintings and running workshops to inspire others, I might not have believed you.

This is the journey of how grief changed everything, and how becoming an artist helped me find my way back to something brighter and led me to discovering my true self.

When Life Changes Overnight

Grief arrives without warning, even when you know it may be coming. The sheer force of it is overwhelming, reshaping everything you know. It's heavy, disorientating, and deeply personal. For me, it felt like the world had lost its colour. The things that once brought joy seemed muted, and even the smallest tasks required energy I didn't feel I had.

Trust me, in those early days, I wasn't thinking about becoming an artist. I wasn't thinking about creating anything at all. I was simply trying to get through each day.

However, I have learnt something very important. Grief also creates space. This may be unwanted at first, but it is real space. Space where routines used to be. Space where noise once filled the silence. And in that quiet, something unexpected began to emerge.

Finding Creativity in the Darkness

It certainly didn't start as a grand plan or a sudden burst of inspiration. It started small. A pen, some paper, a quiet moment in nature. No pressure. No expectations. Just a simple need to express something I couldn't quite put into words.

That's where my journey began. Not in confidence, but in curiosity.

At first, I didn't even think of it as "art". I wasn't trying to be an artist. I was just...making things. Drawing, painting, experimenting, letting colours and shapes reflect emotions I couldn't explain. And slowly, something shifted. Creating and being in nature, the source of my inspiration, became a release.

As an artist in the making, I discovered that art didn't need to be perfect. It doesn't judge you, it simply flows. In that freedom of expression, I found something I hadn't felt for a very long time...a sense of peace.

The Quiet Voice of Imposter Syndrome

Even as I began to create more, another voice crept in, the one that whispers doubt.

We can be so unkind to ourselves, can't we? We judge ourselves against others unfairly. We question our right to be, our ability, our talent and our qualifications or lack thereof. This is the reality of imposter syndrome, and it's something so many creatives experience on their journey, but we seldom talk openly about it.

For a while, I believed that voice. I hesitated to share my work. I downplayed my creations. I avoided calling myself an artist, even when creativity had become such a meaningful part of my life. But here's what I started to slowly realise. Imposter syndrome didn't mean I was not an artist; it merely meant I cared deeply about the work I was creating.

Don't get me wrong. I didn't suddenly "feel ready" to call myself an artist. I chose to, despite the doubt. And that choice changed everything.

The Healing Power of Being An Artist

There's something incredibly powerful about expressing yourself visually. As I continued exploring creativity, I began to understand that being an artist isn't about talent; it's about connection. As I painted, I felt a deep connection to my thoughts and my feelings. Art gave me a safe space to process grief in my own time and in my own way. Some days were messy and chaotic and full of emotion. Other days were quiet and reflective. But every piece became part of my healing.

The more I created, the more I started to see myself differently. I was no longer a broken, lost individual. I was an artist, rebuilding my spirit, piece by piece.

From Personal Practice to Shared Passion

Over time, I can't tell you exactly when, something unexpected happened. People began to notice my work. Friends, family, and even strangers responded positively to my creations. They asked questions. They shared their own experiences. They connected, not just with the art, but with the story behind it.

That's when a new idea began to form. What if being an artist wasn't just something I did for myself? What if I could help others, too? That thought was both exciting and terrifying at the same time. Sharing something so personal felt vulnerable, and yes, that familiar feeling of imposter syndrome showed up again. Was I qualified to guide anyone else? Did it matter?

I kept coming back to one truth. I didn't need to be the perfect artist. I just needed to be a real one. I needed to share the healing powers of creativity through art, not teach people how to paint. So, I took a step I never imagined I would take: I began to create workshops.

Becoming the Artist I Needed to Be

When I first started running workshops, I didn't position myself as an expert. I wasn't there to teach perfection or technique. I was there as an artist who had experienced the transformative power of creativity. That's what I wanted to share with others.

The results were incredible. People came in feeling nervous, unsure and even doubtful. Many of them entered the workshop space proclaiming, "I'm not creative!" But as the sessions went on, something changed. You could see it in their smiles and their willingness to experiment. They weren't just creating art; they were rediscovering confidence, peace, and feelings of joy.

Emotions I knew all too well. That's when it really clicked. Being an artist isn't about being the best. It's about being open.

Art Is For Everyone

One of the biggest myths I've encountered is the idea that being an artist is reserved for a select few. You need natural talent, formal training, or years of experience to qualify. I really do not believe that. An American philosopher named John Dewey once stated, "Art is not the possession of the few… it is the authentic expression of any and all individuality." I couldn't agree more!

If my journey has taught me anything, it's that creativity lives in all of us. It just needs space to emerge. You don't need to know what you are doing, and feel confident. You don't need all the answers. In my humble opinion, you just need to start, even if that feeling of imposter syndrome is still lurking in the background. Remember, confidence doesn't come before becoming an artist; it comes after you allow yourself to try.

The Joy of Creative Workshops

Workshops are now at the heart of my work. It is so rewarding to bring people together in a creative space. I love watching my participants go from hesitation to free abandonment on the canvas. It is fantastic to hear laughter replace self-doubt and watch as everyone loses themselves in the flow of their piece.

For me, workshops are not just about art. They're about connection, community, and permitting yourself to try something new. They're about stepping away from the noise of everyday life and reconnecting with your creative side. Perhaps more importantly, they're about helping people to quiet their inner critic and enjoy some special 'me' time, perfect for their health and wellbeing.

Love, Loss, And The Colours In Between

When I look back, I am not certain I would have chosen the path that led me here. Grief is not something any of us wishes for, but it changed me in ways I'm still discovering. It made me slow down and reflect. It opened a door I didn't know existed, and through that door I found art. But that's not all. I found healing, purpose and my identity as an artist. Even when moments of doubt creep in, I know that those feelings will never cancel out what I've built; they are just part of the journey.

Today, my life is filled with colour, connection, and moments of genuine joy. It's about sharing creativity, supporting others, and continuing to grow, not just as an artist, but as a person.

An Invitation to Discover Your Inner Artist

If you are reading this and thinking, "That could never be me," I understand. I've been there. But I've learned that becoming an artist comes not from confidence, but from curiosity. What do you think may happen if you permit yourself to create, without judgment? What do you think you will discover if you allow yourself to explore?

You don't have to go through something life-changing to find creativity. There doesn't have to be a reason beyond wanting to give it a try. You become an artist by just showing up and giving it a go.

If you would like to learn more about my workshops and art, please visit my website via this link