An Art Love Affair

Valentine’s Day is a time when we reflect on the relationships that matter most in our lives. While it’s typically reserved for celebrating romantic connections, this year, I want to take a different approach. Let’s use this special day as an opportunity to celebrate the love we have for our passions — the things that bring us joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. For me, that passion has always been art.

My relationship with art has been a long and evolving journey, one that’s as complicated, messy, and beautiful as any romance. Much like dating, finding the right medium to express myself creatively wasn’t something that happened overnight. It took time, experimentation, and a lot of trial and error. Each phase of my artistic journey has brought new insights, just like the stages of a relationship — some relationships work, others don’t, and some are just meant to help you learn more about yourself.

When I reflect on my personal journey as an artist, it feels very much like finding the perfect partner — someone who understands me, challenges me, and makes me feel complete. Art has always been there for me, whether I was trying out new ideas, stumbling over mistakes, or finding myself in a creative rut. It’s been a constant companion, and like a true soulmate, it’s been there through every high and low.

Finding My Medium: A Dating Story

Just like dating, trying out different forms of art has been a process of discovery. I started off with sketching and painting, two mediums that felt exciting at first. The canvas and the paintbrush were like the first date — full of potential and possibility. I was enamored with the colors and the freedom, but eventually, I realized that while painting was fun, it didn’t quite have the depth I was looking for. It felt like dating someone who seemed great on paper but just didn’t spark that deeper connection.

The next medium I explored was screen printing. The process was hands-on, and I loved the bold graphics it allowed me to create. I experimented with retro-inspired designs and funky motifs, often using them on accessories. It felt like an exciting fling — fun and carefree. But just like many casual relationships, it eventually ran its course. While screen printing was rewarding, it lacked the intimacy and personal touch I craved in my art.

Then came embroidery, a medium that truly felt like a long-term relationship. I fell in love with it almost instantly. Embroidery allowed me to create intricate, detailed designs on fabric, and it felt like a natural fit for my style. It was like finding the partner who truly understood me — one who appreciated the slow, steady process of handcrafting something with love. Embroidering jackets and accessories became my personal form of storytelling. The work was meticulous, but each stitch felt like a message, a love letter to my past, my present, and the future I was building.

Embroidery has become more than just a technique for me — it’s a form of art that reflects my love for upcycling and vintage-inspired fashion. There’s something about transforming old, forgotten pieces into something beautiful that resonates with me. Much like finding a meaningful connection with someone, upcycling is about taking something that’s been overlooked and giving it new life. It’s an ongoing, rewarding relationship where you continually discover new ways to breathe life into something old and make it your own.

Upcycling: Rekindling Old Flames

Upcycling, particularly with retro clothing, has been a major part of my artistic journey. It’s like having a relationship with the past — one where you respect and honor the history of an item but also add your unique touch to make it your own. Upcycling old garments and turning them into something fresh and trendy is a way of preserving memories and giving them new meaning. It’s the kind of relationship that’s rooted in nostalgia but evolves over time, and that’s exactly how I see my work. Each embroidered piece, each retro-inspired design, is a collaboration between the past and the present.

Working with vintage pieces to create something new and unique feels like taking an old friendship and turning it into a lifelong partnership. You get to cherish the memories while constantly growing and adapting together. Whether I’m embroidering on jackets, designing funky accessories, or creating groovy artwork, the love for upcycling always comes through. There’s a deep satisfaction in knowing that I’m not only creating one-of-a-kind fashion but also helping to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable world.

The Creative Process: Relationships Take Work

Just like a long-term relationship, art takes time and patience. There are no shortcuts to creating something truly meaningful, whether it’s embroidery, screen printing, or any other medium. The process of creating something from scratch is a lot like building a lasting connection with someone. You can’t rush it. There are moments of frustration, periods of uncertainty, and times when you wonder if you’re on the right path. But through it all, art has been my constant companion, guiding me to new heights and teaching me lessons along the way.

With embroidery, especially, I’ve learned to appreciate the small details. Each stitch, each thread is part of a larger story. Whether I’m working on a hand-embroidered jacket or designing upcycled accessories, I pour my heart and soul into every piece. It’s a slow, steady process that feels like a deep conversation with a partner. The more time I spend with it, the stronger our connection grows.

A Lasting Love: Because Art Can't Dump You

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to reflect on the relationships that truly matter — the ones that bring us joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. For me, that relationship has always been with art. From my first attempts with painting to finding my true love in embroidery, art has been there for me through every phase of life. It’s been my creative partner, my escape, and my source of strength.

This Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to celebrate your own passions, hobbies, and creative pursuits. Like dating, exploring different mediums of art and finding what truly speaks to you is a journey worth taking. Whether it's embroidery, screen printing, or upcycling retro fashion, these passions are worth nurturing and loving. They help shape who we are, inspire us, and bring us closer to our truest selves. And just like any lasting love, these passions will always be there, waiting for you to dive in and create something beautiful.