Rediscovering Creativity: My Journey Back to Art
Greetings, friends! If we haven't met yet, I'm Lynne Marie, an artist and teacher from Northeast Ohio, where I’ve built my life alongside the beautiful shores of Lake Erie—my happy place.
Creativity has always been part of who I am, but the path to where I am today hasn’t been a straight line. Let me share my journey with you, and hopefully, inspire you to rediscover your own creative spark.
The Early Days of Creativity
As a young adult, I pursued a degree in graphic design and illustration. Art and creativity were my passions, but life, as it often does, took me on a detour. I became a full-time mom and later transitioned into teaching special education. For years, creativity was something I stumbled upon rather than intentionally sought out.
Then came early 2020, a year that disrupted all our lives. As a teacher, I suddenly had extra time during the lockdown—a rarity I didn’t want to waste. That’s when I dusted off some forgotten art supplies, turned to YouTube for guidance, and gave myself permission to create, just for the joy of it.
The Healing Power of Art
Picking up a paintbrush after years felt like reconnecting with an old friend. I’d spend hours immersed in pastels and watercolor, experimenting, playing, and stepping into the magical space of making art. In those moments, the worries of the world faded away. Art became my sanctuary—a space to calm my mind and find peace amid the chaos.
It reminded me of something profound: creativity isn’t about producing perfect work. It’s about the process, the joy of experimenting, and the freedom to express yourself in any way that feels right.
Creativity in Everyday Life
Through this journey, I’ve come to realize that creativity isn’t confined to painting or drawing. It shows up in the simplest of acts: arranging flowers, trying a new recipe, or setting a table with intention. These moments remind me that creativity is accessible to everyone. You don’t need expensive supplies or advanced skills—just a willingness to play.
My Mission: Encouraging Creativity Through Play
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of play. Creativity thrives when we let go of expectations and simply explore. That’s why I host weekly Creative Bursts on Zoom. These sessions are all about having fun with art supplies, reducing fear, and embracing the beauty of messiness.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by art, these bursts are the perfect way to dip your toes back in. It’s not about the result—it’s about rediscovering the joy of creating.
Building a Creative Practice
These days, I’ve made creativity a daily habit. Even 5–10 minutes with watercolors can brighten my day and keep my skills sharp. I’m also diving into digital art with Procreate, combining hand lettering and design to push my creative boundaries.
Of course, consistency can be a challenge, especially with a full-time job. But I’ve found that small, intentional time blocks make all the difference. Creativity doesn’t have to be a grand event—it can be a few quiet moments that fill your cup.
Overcoming Challenges Through Art
Art has been my anchor during difficult times. It’s brought emotional, mental, and even physical relief when I needed it most. And I believe it can do the same for you. Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for everyone. It’s part of what makes us human.
Let’s Create Together
If you’ve been longing to reignite your creativity, I invite you to join me. Whether it’s through one of my membership tutorials, a Creative Burst session, following along on Instagram and Facebook, or simply picking up a pencil at home, know that it’s never too late to begin.
Together, let’s embrace the joy of creating—one playful, messy, and beautiful step at a time.