✨ The Seeds Were There All Along ✨

On the left is a piece from 2018, when I had just begun experimenting with abstract backgrounds and using paper as a medium. The spider was formed by tearing and arranging bits of paper into its shape.

On the right is a recent work I’ve shared before—an abstracted piece where I used paper to build texture, this time inspired by the intricate patterns of a spider’s web.

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Recently, I was surprised when I took some time to look back at some of my earliest paintings, pieces I created before I had any idea where my art would take me. Back then, I didn’t know what my focus would be or whether I’d work in realism, abstraction, or something in between. I was simply following curiosity.

I found small clues of who I am as an artist today woven into those early pieces. Even then, I was drawn to paper and texture and themes and motifs long before I realized that these elements would become central parts of my work. It was so interesting for me to see that my creative voice was there all along, quietly taking shape before I had words for it. Below is a glimpse at how my work has evolved: a piece from seven years ago alongside a new one.

Reflecting on this I am reminded of a few things:

• Every once in a while you should step back and review the journey to see how far you have come. This can get lost in the everyday process of working toward a goal.

• Growth can happen in seemingly sudden leaps forward, but it is also the small, consistent steps in what you are doing that cause the desired experience to unfold in its own time.

• This isn’t just about art—growth looks like this in all areas of life.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your support and encouragement help me continue exploring and sharing these layered stories in my art.

Have you ever looked back at your own life and noticed the seeds of who you’ve become? I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered.

✨ A Little Gift for YouIf you’d like a copy of Your Guide to Thriving as a Self-Taught Artist, let me know and I will send you a direct link to download.

💌 And if you know someone who might find this guide helpful, please share this newsletter with them. They can sign up here to receive their own copy and join my circle   👉 Guide Sign-Up Link

With gratitude,Shay (Sharon Walker Art)