A lot of things have changed since I started drawing so many years ago. One of those most recent things? I have become a Mom. Lately I have been asking myself who am I? Who was I before becoming a Mrs. and a Mom.
I have come to the realization that I was an Artist. I am a self-taught Illustrator and I want to go back to my roots. I remember taking only one art class in the third grade. After that I taught myself to draw. In school as much as I wanted to take an art class as an elective I felt like only the extroverts took those classes. I have always been an introvert. In college I wanted to major in Art. Getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art or Art History. But I settled for Clothing, Textiles and Fashion Merchandising. The closest option that had to do with Art. Again I felt self-conscious thinking that only outgoing students majored in Art. After I got my BA I got an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts.
Looking back I remember that I would draw everyday even if it was just a scribble. While I was trying to remember the person I was, sans marriage and kids. I felt something missing inside my heart. I went to my Mom’s house and she had taken out this flower pot I drew on when I was in high school. It was the image of an Aztec Princess. According to what I wrote under the flower pot it took me two days to finish it. I used a pencil, sharpie and color pencils. When I saw it I felt amazement because I drew that piece of art. But I also felt sadness because I hadn’t drawn anything for so many years. I had forgotten I had this talent inside me all along. Turns out that’s what was missing in my heart… Art.
I went home and I got together all my art supplies. And between all the art supplies was a handkerchief I drew on. I thought all along that it was stored away. I don’t remember taking it out of storage and placing it with all my art stuff. I used a pencil and a sharpie. The illustration is of a girl with a clown face wearing a fedora hat. I’m sure I got the inspiration from a LowRider Magazine. Looking at these two works of art that I did made me realize that I am worthy to create. I got my sketch pad out and I just started sketching. I felt my hand stiff for the first few days. I drew every day and after much practice and finding my own rhythm and with the help of muscle memory I decided to draw a yoga pose. I was in disbelief that I could just draw freehand a lifestyle illustration. Why a yoga pose? I am a 200 hour certified yoga teacher. I love to practice yoga when I actually get the chance. But with a four and a two year old those moments are rare. Especially a peace and quiet type of moment to practice yoga.
I FaceTimed my twin sister with an “aha” moment and I told her I can just draw! I hadn’t felt so much excitement for something in such a longtime. I felt happiness in my heart. Happiness that I hadn’t felt since I was a little girl. Therefore, before adulting, before becoming a Mrs. and Mom I was an Artist. I have been an Artist for a very long time and I still am. I just hadn’t realized it. I am so happy to create. Because I am Lourdes and I am an Artist, an Illustrator and a Creator.
I would like to welcome you to this… the official inauguration of Lourdes Illustration.