Creativity, they say, springs from the most mundane moments. My journey as an artist began in the monotonous backdrop of classroom lessons during middle school, with my doodles on the edge of the notebook paper serving as my only escape. The lessons, more often than not, failed to hold my interest, but they inadvertently set the stage for my artistic evolution.
In the early days, the protagonists of my narratives were the quirky one-eyed creatures from the popular at the time PlayStation Portable game Patapon. Their simple yet captivating forms appealed to my burgeoning creativity. These creatures would take on life and personality under my pencil, journeying through the boundaries of my notebook. There was something viscerally appealing about these strange little beings, each unique, each alive in their simple, abstract existence.
The next stage of my artistic journey introduced complexity in the form of intricate mazes. The mazes were not mere puzzles but stages for my Patapon characters, transforming the static characters into active participants in a thrilling narrative. The process of creating these mazes was akin to writing a story without words, where my characters embarked on epic adventures. The fusion of simplicity and complexity in these drawings was the first glimpse into my abstract style which is now a central feature of my work.
The evolution from idle doodles to abstract creations was neither swift nor easy. It was a journey full of experiments, failures, and self-doubt. However, the sheer joy of witnessing a blank canvas turns into a vibrant narrative made every struggle worthwhile. Each piece I created was an extension of myself, an embodiment of my thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
My art journey took a more scholarly turn when I undertook my dissertation projects at the University of Manchester and the University of Edinburgh. It was here that I attempted to create my drawings not with a pen and paper, but with a keyboard and a set of algorithms. It was a challenging yet exciting period, merging the lines between the academic world and my passion for art. My work was not only an outlet for my creativity but also a form of inquiry into the essence of art and self-expression.
Today, when I look at my Etsy shop, I see more than just an assortment of art pieces. I see a chronicle of my journey, from a bored student to a dedicated artist. I see the culmination of years of patience, dedication, and love for art. The abstract drawings you see in my shop are not just aesthetic pieces; they are a visual testament to the resilience of creativity and the transformative power of art.
This journey of mine serves as a reminder that art isn't defined by grand exhibitions or lofty galleries, but by the simple act of self-expression, born out of a genuine love for creation. As I continue my journey, I hope my art serves as an inspiration for other budding artists, proving that the journey to artistic fulfilment is never a straight path, but a labyrinth worth exploring.