Why Shells? Why Now? A Creative Plot Twist I Didn’t See Coming
Ahhh, the ever-elusive why.
That question used to send me into a full-blown existential crisis. “Why do you create the art you create?” people would ask. And I’d smile and say something vague like, “It just makes me happy!” Which, sure, was true… but deep down I knew it wasn’t the full story. And honestly, it never felt like a satisfying answer, especially when I was trying to build a real connection with collectors (or myself).
The truth is, for a long time, I didn’t really know why. I was still figuring things out, experimenting with different styles and techniques. Then, some of that early work started to gain traction, and suddenly I felt like I had to pick a lane and stick with it – ready or not. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t ready.
Let’s just say my old process had… issues.
I would often love the end result of my paintings, but getting there was a struggle – usually due to the lack of flexibility. The graphic designer in me wanted to hit "undo" or try out 50 color options before committing. But paint doesn’t exactly come with a Command+Z button. That pressure would make me freeze mid-painting, scared to mess up what I liked so far – which, of course, just led to more stress instead of less.
And while I enjoyed the quirky, whimsical tone of my early paintings, after awhile it started to feel like a mask. A fun one, but still a mask. Underneath it all, art has always been my therapy – a quiet way to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm – but my work didn’t feel authentic to that. That feeling of disconnect buried itself deep and eventually made me feel like I just didn’t want to paint anymore. Oof.
So... what changed?
Enter: Shells.
Yep, seashells have completely transformed the way I make art! I didn’t expect it either. But now, I finally have a why. Actually, I have a bunch of whys:
1. I'm a beach girl at heart.
I grew up in Wisconsin, but moving to Florida felt like stepping into the life I was always meant for. The beach, sunshine, salt air… it’s my happy place. Painting shells connects me to that love, and it’s something that resonates with collectors too. There’s a universal kind of joy in beachcombing and the treasures you find.
2. Shells give me creative guardrails.
Each one is like a tiny canvas. I can go abstract, realistic, whimsical – whatever I’m feeling that day – without the pressure of filling a huge canvas or sticking with that one style for life. It’s freeing but also focused. And best of all, I can paint one in a single sitting for that sweet hit of instant gratification.
3. Arranging the shells into wall art is my perfect creative counterbalance.
After the free-flowing fun of painting each shell, I get to switch gears and enter puzzle mode. Arranging the pieces into a finished design lights up the designer side of my brain. I can move things around, swap them out, or completely rethink the layout if I want to. It’s Tetris with paint, and I love it.
4. It forces me to slow down.
This process isn’t something I can rush. And that’s kind of the point. It brings me back to mindfulness. To being fully present and enjoying each step. From choosing colors to brushing in details to placing each painted piece just so… I get to be with the work, not just push through it.
This new direction feels like coming home to myself. It’s art that I love to make, that I want to live with, and that actually reflects how I see the world. It’s still joyful and colorful, but it’s also grounded, intentional, and calming.
So, why shells? Why now?
Because this is the first time I’ve felt truly in tune with what I’m creating. And that feels like a pretty good reason to me!
Interested?
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About Me
I’m a Florida-based artist and designer with a love for vibrant, coastal-inspired art and two decades of creative industry experience. My work blends thoughtful design with handcrafted detail to bring beauty, calm, and originality into everyday spaces.
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