Finding Myself Through Art: My Journey from Depression to Painting

"I picked up a set of paints and a canvas and simply began."

The pandemic was a time of loss, isolation, and uncertainty for many of us. Like so many others, I found myself trapped in a cycle of anxiety and depression, struggling to make sense of a world that had suddenly become so much smaller. The days blurred into one another, and I felt as if I had lost a part of myself. But in that darkness, I found something unexpected—painting.

I had never considered myself a professional artist. Sure, I studied Art in college, have the knowledge about the art movements and I do appreciated beautiful works of art, and I had always admired those who could express themselves with a brush or pencil, but I never thought I had it in me as a professional. Yet, in my search for something to hold onto, something to help me heal, I picked up a set of paints and a canvas and simply began.

At first, I was hesitant. My strokes were uncertain, my colors muddled. But as I kept going, something inside me shifted. Painting became an outlet for all the emotions I struggled to put into words. It was a way to process grief, to release frustration, and, eventually, to rediscover joy.

starting of Abstract blue

As I painted more, I started studying the works of classical artists. I found comfort in Van Gogh’s swirling brushstrokes, in Monet’s dreamy landscapes, in Rembrandt’s dramatic use of light and shadow. Each of them had their own voice, their own way of seeing the world, and I began to wonder—what was mine?

Finding Myself Through Art: My Journey from Depression to Painting

Now, I am on a journey to discover my own artistic style. I experiment with techniques from the past, blending them with my own emotions and experiences. Some days, my work leans toward impressionism, capturing fleeting moments of light and movement. Other days, I find myself drawn to bold, abstract forms that express emotions I still struggle to articulate. I am learning that finding a personal style is not about copying the greats but about absorbing their wisdom and making it my own.

"creating Sicilia"

Painting has given me more than just a creative outlet; it has given me a new way of seeing myself. It has shown me that healing is not linear, that expression is just as important as understanding, and that beauty can be found in imperfection.

If you are struggling, if you feel lost or overwhelmed, I encourage you to pick up a brush, a pen, or anything that allows you to create. You do not need to be an expert; you just need to start. Art has the power to heal, to transform, and to bring light into even the darkest of times. I know because it did for me.