Humble Beginnings
By: Joanna Dell
Candle lit and tea by my side, let’s consider some wonderful things: Hillsdale, art, and the beautiful mess of life after college as an artist.
For four years, art was my vocation, and learning, the goal I strove toward. With constant encouragement and guidance from professors, easy access to studio spaces, and the competitive and striving spirit of fellow students, creativity thrived. I felt ready for the next season of life as an artist with this firm foundation. Yet, I’m not here to write to you about a fairy tale story of how I became a famous artist and now live in Europe living a fulfilled life of painting in the Alps… I was sure that I wanted to keep art a part of my life after college and see how I could grow as a “side hustle artist”. Thus began my imperfect journey as an artist, aiming to strike a balance of life, art, and work. With every changing season of life though, there always seems to be a challenge or two and a healthy dose of humility.
As I reflect on the past couple of years, I recognize many humble beginnings that I would like to share with you. I hope they may encourage you, guide you, or simply allow you time and space to grow as an artist, freely and slowly with all expectations put aside. A couple of humble beginnings that have helped shape a more balanced work and art relationship after college are the power of small habits and realizing that my identity as an artist goes deeper than the quantity of paintings I produce.
I am often reminded of my days in the Hillsdale art studio and Professor Suarez’s guidance and wise words regarding the importance of hard work and diligence in whatever you create. Habits, however small, beautifully encourage these virtues in our work as artists. In an effort to instill these practices, I began to prioritize 20-30 minutes a few mornings a week before work to do something art-related. With a timer set, even if I only got my watercolor paper taped down and my subject matter chosen, I would call it a success. Why? Because beginnings are hard and I firmly believe that simply beginning is half the battle as an artist. What small but mighty habits can help shape your day to reflect what you value most?
Another humble beginning in the first two years after graduation began when I found myself putting unhealthy amounts of pressure on producing work and needed to confront my perception of art and identity as an artist. Only after many moments of frustration and feeling discouraged in my art did I stop to remember that art is more than work or something to hang on your wall - it is a way to cultivate creativity, recognize something beautiful, and partake in its beauty. When you knead a lump of dough, write a letter, or make a wreath for your front door, you are still practicing your artistry and creating beautiful and life-giving things. This was a freeing realization and has continued to help me cultivate a creative life, even when life is busy and I am not in front of the easel.
So, as we navigate our individual and collective journeys as artists, may we remember these wise words from Professor Bushey, “Onward, ever onward.” Let us continually strive to learn, grow, and never overlook humble beginnings, because sometimes they are the sweetest and most rewarding.
Currently, I find myself as the general manager for my family’s retail store, Sugartree Mill Co, and aiming to cultivate a beautiful life in this season. I seek to do this through simple and delightful rhythms, such as forming a book club, watercolor painting, photography, cooking, arranging flowers, and interior design.
Favortie Breakfast Food?:
My favorite breakfast food is a french croissant, but that sadly not being readily accessible, I enjoy a simple meal of two eggs with spinach and an occasional slice of bread with jam.
