The Gift of Art • by Niki Jackson

As a child growing up in England, art always had a place in my heart. I would sit for ages and draw or paint and often write stories. Art was always something I loved to do and found peace and happiness in the act of creation.

Changes
When we moved, I started a new school and things began to change. I was a teen and along with all the usual pressures and experiences that come when you hit that age, I had started listening to outside judgements.

I turned inward and instead of running to art, I ran from it. It was no longer my safe place; it had become another aspect of me that people criticized me for. Years passed and I grew increasingly unhappy, yearning to create but afraid that I couldn’t go back.

In 2007, I was to face my toughest year yet. In September my dear granddad suddenly died. I found this so traumatic and soon after, about 6 weeks, my dear grandma passed too. I was the lowest I could be.

Finding Spiritual Answers
But out of all this heartache something amazing happened — my grief drove me to find spiritual answers to the questions I had always asked myself about life. I found my God and a whole new life opened up before me. I realized I had a calling in life to paint, and shortly after my grandparents passing I started watching mixed-media videos on YouTube and made my first mixed-media painting called “Home.”

Tentatively I began painting a little more and then a little more and slowly but surely I regained my confidence and I haven’t looked back since.

I still struggle from time to time, but I remind myself that painting is my gift from God and He loves for me to create and share with the world. My God saved me and gave me the wonderful gift of art; I know He will always be my encourager.

So, don’t be afraid, if you hear art calling you from inside your heart, jump in and savor it, it will heal you and give you so much joy!

Niki Jackson is a mixed-media artist who lives in Suffolk, United Kingdom. To see more of her work, visit her Web site at thevintageartist.com. You can also find Niki on Etsy at vintageniki.etsy.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/thevintageartist, and on Twitter at twitter.com/vintageniki.

Comments

[linda]

Thanks for sharing your story, Niki! It's so touching and I do believe that art is great therapy, no matter what you are going through. It's good for down times but also great for up times as well :) Have fun painting!

[Ellen]

Niki, Sorry for your pain; You found art as a way to cope!
I am glad, God lead you to this path! You were open and listened to your calling! It is a powerful message to be open to change~ I am glad you shared your story, it may help someone else to find their way, through Art~

[Niki Jackson]

Thanks so much for your support!! Niki xxx