Life is too short to second-guess happiness

If you are here, you probably follow my art account on Instagram or YouTube Channel, and already know that I am an aspiring artist. I focus on mixed media, with emphasis on watercolor.

I also have photography account on Instagram as photography is the medium that started it all for me in terms of art direction. I don’t consider myself a photographer; I am more of a photography enthusiast. But the majority of what I know about composition, use of light, etc. comes from my self-education in photography.

But this post is not about that. This post is about the reasons why painting and photography are so important for me. You see, both activities serve as an immense source of therapy and ways to take care of my mental health.

I have lived a relatively normal life with ups and downs and have a relatively successful career, but as we grow older, the inevitable rules of life begin to take hold. In the last 4 years I have lost a brother and a parent. I have seen siblings suffer diagnoses of terminal diseases and also seen them become caretakers for their spouses, also suffering through challenging medical issues.

All this brings feelings of uncertainty, lack of power and control and ultimately anxiety. In the middle of these new experiences, in addition to the pandemic, painting and photography saved my mental health state. I don’t know what I would have done or where I would have ended up without those outlets. I probably would be severely depressed. And I am very thankful for the online teachers that guided me through my painting education during that time.

I have now started also giving photography more emphasis in my life. I absolutely love photography but I have never been one to head out and spend all day taking photos on my own. I am somewhat shy about that. That stops this year.

Loosing my mom three weeks ago, however, highlighted to me that life is just too short to second guess on things that make you happy. So from this point on, this site will also feature some of my photography as well, in the form of prints, added as a section to the shop menu.

Nothing on this site sells well. I am not a good marketer, and I am working hard on getting better about that. The blog section is the first in a series of efforts focused on improving that.

I’d be very happy if you find yourself here and wonder through the shop section and find yourself falling in love with my works and go as far as purchasing something. Knowing that a piece of artwork is headed to someone’s house is very touching and validating.

For now, please stay safe, take care of yourself and thank you for stopping by.

RG