How Art helps Connect Me To My Inner Self

Art has always been more than a creative outlet for me; it’s a lifeline…it was there when I almost gave up on myself, a mirror…It showed me what I needed to see most, myself. It is a bridge to my inner world. As someone whose journey has been shaped by profound questions of identity, belonging, and continued self-discovery, art offers a language to express what words cannot.

The Journey Inward

Being adopted from Guatemala always meant growing up straddling two worlds—one that shaped my everyday reality and another, distant and unknown, that lingered as a source of questions and yearning. That felt like a constant fog inside my body that sometimes haunted me and I couldn’t figure out why or where it came from. Like many adoptees, I’ve faced the challenge of navigating feelings of loss, a strange grief, disconnection, and a search for belonging. Additionally, the search for connection was strong. For years, I struggled to feel whole.

Art became my sanctuary. With every brushstroke, splash of watercolor, or line of graphite, I found a way to process emotions I didn’t even realize I was holding. The act of creating forces me to slow down and listen—not just to my thoughts but to the deeper parts of my being that were screaming at me. I always struggled with slowing down my brain. On the outside people would think I was ‘inattentive’ but truthfully, inside, my brain and body were screaming. Art allows me to hear what my soul is saying deep down.

Art as a Mirror

Creating art is like holding up a mirror to my soul. Which is one of the scariest thing, we, as humans can do. When I paint, particularly my abstract realism pieces, I see fragments of myself in the imagery that emerges. I see the reason behind the colors that I choose, and I begin to understand my emotions on a deeper level. Whether it’s a figure intertwined with nature or an animal staring out of the canvas, there’s always a part of me within in the work. These visual narratives often reveal truths about my emotions, fears, and dreams that I hadn’t consciously acknowledged, and it usually takes coming back to it over and over again to see the beauty.

Connecting Through the Process

The process itself is just as important as the finished piece. The process is where the light starts, and evolves into a beautiful practice. Painting is meditative; it brings me into the present moment, and Into my body. In those hours of mixing colors and layering paint, and experiencing the abstraction, I find clarity. Time becomes fluid, I become the paint, and I’m able to tap into a deeper sense of awareness.

One of my favorite practices is artistic soul journaling, where I combine words and visuals to capture the emotions and ideas swirling in my mind. It usually starts with color, and then the words come flowing easier than I imagined. It’s a space where I can let go of expectations and create without judgment and fear. The result isn’t always beautiful in a traditional sense, but it’s always honest.

Symbols and Stories

As I reflect on my journey, I see how the symbols in my art have evolved. Early on, my work featured visuals that were less cohesive and this mirrored the confusion I felt about my identity. Over time, I began incorporating natural elements—birds, animals, trees, and flowing water in the abstraction—that represent healing, growth, and connection to the world around me. I began to paint more portraits that evoked the emotions that I feel inside and resonate with the viewer. These symbols help me weave together my inner and outer worlds, creating a sense of harmony that was a struggle to grasp in the earlier stages.

Art as a Bridge to Others

What began as a deeply personal practice has also become a way to connect with others. When people view my work, they often see reflections of their own emotions and experiences. They are able to take with them, what they need, and the paintings evolve into a new story. It’s humbling to realize that by exploring my inner self, I’m creating something that resonates with others on their journeys too.

Embracing Wholeness

Art helps me embrace all the parts of myself—my Guatemalan roots, my adoptive experience, my struggles, and my triumphs. It reminds me that healing and self-discovery are ongoing processes, not destinations. Art allows me to love the parts of myself that have always felt too scary to face.

When I look at my body of work now, I see a visual diary of my growth as a person and an artist. Each piece tells a story of searching for connection and finding it within myself.

If you’re seeking ways to connect with your own inner self, I encourage you to try creating something—anything. Whether it’s painting, writing, dancing, or simply doodling in a notebook, let yourself explore freely. You might be surprised at what you discover.

For me, art is more than an expression; it’s a reminder that I am whole, even in the midst of life’s uncertainties.

I hope to help people find this wholeness within their own forms of creation.

What does art mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear about your journey.