My Dad Loved My Art

My father was extremely supportive when it came to my creative hobbies. He always made sure I had art supplies at the ready, and even painted one of my bedroom walls with chalkboard paint so I could practice my drawings. He wanted me to have creative freedom not only with art but in life as well.

I would sketch on my chalkboard wall only to erase it the next day, to continue practicing and experimenting with art. I would catch my dad taking pictures of what I drew since he knew it would be gone the next day. I started leaving my art up longer.

After my father passed, at the young age of 46 in 2021, I’ve been having a hard time expressing my grief. I need to remain strong for my siblings and my mother and distracting myself with work and art has really helped. Is it a long term fix? Probably not.

Art for me is a form of meditation. While I paint I think about my dad, all the blessings and happiness he brought to me and my family. I think about all the crazy new updates in my life I would tell him if I could speak to him again. I think about all the things I wish I would have said.

I like to think, while I paint, he is right behind me taking pictures of my art just like he used to.