This summer I was commissioned to do a portrait of a friend’s dog. I was about ¾ of the way done, but I could not finish. The fear of finishing it and having a need for it to be perfect got in the way, so I avoided it for months. I finally talked to my OCD therapist about it and he had me do some exposures such as just sitting next to the drawing. Eventually, little by little, I built up the courage to start again and completed the portrait, not being concerned about perfection.
For the past few years, whenever people asked me what I wanted to do with my art career.
I would just shrug and say I did not know. Just recently I have come to realize what I am truly meant to do in this world as an artist. I discovered that I enjoy teaching elementary school age children as I had the chance to do so as an art camp counselor for the past two summers. Being
able to share my passion with the younger generation of artists fills me with excitement and hope. Also, while 1 am working, my OCD takes a pause. Sure, I still may have my moments, but when I am spreading joy and kindness through the arts my anxiety and obsessive thoughts take a backseat and let me truly enjoy life.
