The Constancy of Art
The Constancy of Art
From Then Until Now
Last week I posted the question, "how old do you think I was when I painted this?" (speaking of the painting above) Most people guessed I was in my 20's.
The answer is 11.
Here's My Story...
I was in the fifth grade when I did this painting. Our family had just relocated from Michigan to Oklahoma, just weeks before I turned 11. It was tough transitioning to a new school and classroom towards the end of the school year.
But what I found in my new school was an art department that set my little artist heart and hands free. My new art teacher, Mr. Rutledge, didn't just do crafts with us, like my art teacher in Michigan. He taught us and let us make art. The result was this, my first original painting.
The painting still hangs in my living room as a reminder that art is part of who I was created to be. I've been painting my whole life, in every season. It's like my baseline, my neutral. It's what spills out of my heart, mind, and hands most naturally.
It asks little of me emotionally or mentally, so it's something I can do without really getting tired.
I am finding myself, once again, in a major life transition. No, we haven't and don't plan to relocate, like when I was a kid. But, now it's my kids that are changing and relocating.
My heart is swelling with pride and joy, as well as grief - I am in the very beginnings of empty-nesting, (insert every possible emoji here!)
Once again, I am returning to my baseline, art-making.
The results are equally as delightful and surprising as when I was 11 and Mr. Rutledge handed me paints, brushes, and a canvas. But this time, I have the advantage of years of skill building, which is creating results I could not have predicted!
What's Your story?
When you find yourself is seasons of transition, what is your baseline?
When life throws curveballs, transitions, shifts in roles and identity, and tough emotions ... what spills out of you?
Seasons of transition are times of change, and change seems to always include the grief of leaving something behind, and the uneasiness of stepping into something new.
The emotions tend to be strong, and they can feel opposing.
Joy and grief.
It's a lot to hold at the same time. It takes strength, and the need to be gracious with yourself. That's why in seasons of transition, I feel like it's so important to know your baseline, your neural.
What familiar and good thing do you naturally revert to in seasons of change?
The Results...
With the freedom of time, and the advantage of experience, I have been creating a new collection that is unlike anything I've ever done.
It's a blend of every kind of medium I've ever practiced, intuitively combined into one unique style.
The colors, compositions, textures, movement, and forms are woven together differently in each piece, resulting in unique and beautiful fine art.
The collection is growing quickly
and I am excited to release
all the pieces for sale
Thursday, September 17, 2026!
Below is a sneak peak at some of the pieces in the collection. ;)
I would love to hear from you. What is your baseline; the thing that you turn to in seasons of transition?
When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, whatever form it comes in, what spills out will be beautiful!
Blessings,
Melissa
Wonder Collection
melissajoymiller.com
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