Not Just Blending In

Hey Guys!

You're probably wondering why I wanted to start a blog. My goal is to reach out to people and make them know they are not alone, and to help them explore outlets to help them. There are multiple outlets that one can use. (Such as music, art, exercise, or writing.) One of those outlets, art, is one that I have found to be the best for me; and I want to share my passion with you.

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." - Pablo Picasso

Throughout my life I have had a lot of issues with my health, which resulted in me staying home from school and spending copious amounts of time by myself. Being alone got pretty boring really fast, but I spent most of that time watching Disney movies. (Reasons why Disney is so important to me.) I always thought it would be cool to do animation, let alone draw the characters; so that's what I did. I started out being really bad, then I just kept practicing, and it got so much better.

My senior year of high school, I had already had gallbladder surgery, multiple tests run, and was later diagnosed with endometriosis. I was having a really hard time with school, and with how drawing at home helped me, I decided to ask the high school art teacher if I could join AP art. She gracefully accepted, and from then on, she completely changed my life. My love for art soared and I officially learned how to paint.

During college, I still struggled with my health conditions. I kept having to go through testing, and had to go through medically induced menopause twice due to my endometriosis. Even though all of this was happening, I still focused on art. My professors in college really shaped me, and my art style. I took my first art history class, and found that that is what I want to pursue with my career. After getting out of a terrible relationship and falling into a deep depression, I collapsed and had my first seizure on campus. After being hospitalized for a week at Cleveland Clinic, I was diagnosed with PNES (Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Which led to me having to take a medical leave of absence. I am still continuing to battle health issues, but it is something that is helping me grow.

However, my professors did not give up on me. They still continued to help me, and encouraged me to take on art commissions. I have now been a freelance studio artist for four years, and hope to continue growing. If it wasn't for my amazing teachers, and most importantly my supportive and loving family, I wouldn't be where I am today. (Super cheesy I know.) Struggling with my illnesses have been very difficult at times, but they have taught me valuable lessons. They have shown me who my real friends are, that I am never alone, how family trumps all, how strong I have become as a person, and that when you are at your lowest that you need to trust God's plan.

Art has literally saved me from myself on multiple occasions. My passion for art is something I want everyone to feel. I want people to know that outlets are much more than just something fun to do in your spare time, that they can be a therapeutic release. I want this blog to inspire others to find their outlet, and to also share my passion for art.

If any of you need someone to talk to or have any questions about art, or how to cope with your struggles, please feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail. Thank you for reading!

Love,

Camille