The Nature of Personal Reality: Pt. 1

Drawings of Journeys, March 17, 2025, Acrylic on Paper, 10" h x 8" w

As artists, we have an uncanny ability to tap into the mind’s unseen dimensions. We journey through extraordinary worlds and return with a new perspective. We document and process the meaning of life and our personal experiences, then share that research through our creations. The nature of one’s reality plays a major role in the process of ideation through completion.

In order for us, as creatives, to honour that experience, we often have to live outside of the norm. We walk through life straddling the notion of what we are taught, who we are, and what we believe. We find meaning and purpose through everyday, simple, and yet mundane actions. And face objection, rejection and constant requests for justification. We must “prove” that our work is worthy in a world that questions “how artists make money.” And yet the simple answer is, “the same way we all do.”

For me, I go to work every day. I wake up to serve a higher calling. I listen to my soul’s need to communicate, express, and respond. I choose to see this as an act of God. In the same way, I choose to see all those who work in flow with their spirit. You see, when we listen to our hearts and do so throughout our entire lives, this seems like a no-brainer, but when you have to redefine your paradigm to align with a new way of thinking, it takes time to rewire and re-focus yourself into this way of existing.

This means the drive to make money is not our end goal anymore. Instead, we desire something different, some would even say greater. The nature of personal reality is the difference. Our drive to create is personal. Not all who walk in faith are determined to make a difference by serving a cause like saving the planet. That’s not to say they aren’t for saving the planet. Instead, some people choose to exist in a way that is an example of our differences.

And in that ability to be different, they serve a higher purpose, as a beacon of light for compassion and understanding. They show grace to others who may not yet understand who they are or why they are the way they are, or draw what they draw or research what they do. Because it’s not about serving others. Instead, our presence as creatives is meant to simply exist as a vessel that expresses, like the sun as it illuminates the sky and then fades into a sunset.

Our work is to shine a light on the world, within and without, in order to speak what needs to be spoken and create what needs to be created. In the reflection of that creation, we come to understand ourselves and the world that supports us, even just a little bit better.

The world is our canvas, and our minds are our tools for manifesting the ideas that turn into visions, songs or installations. And oh, so much more.

So, for those who choose to find meaning and decide they want to walk a path of purpose, I offer you this wisdom:

“If you care so much about the world that sometimes it hurts, look within and create something that nurtures your spirit. Because when you truly see the value of who you are, untethered to the dollar, you will find greatness in your reflection. It is there that discipline and ritual are present, and a lifelong passion emerges. When you are ready to answer the calling of your spirit, you will learn when to say no so you can say yes to your destiny and discover the true nature of your personal reality.”

With love,
Nimea