Chanel Arzeno
Professor Ding
English 2150
7/31/23
How tough decisions shape our identity.
The excitement for the approaching painting competition excited me like wildfire. I had put my heart and soul into my work for months, believing it would be the ultimate achievement of my artistic path. My brushstrokes made a canvas alive with vivid colors and complex details, directed by passion and precision. Each stroke painted an image of my dreams, like a voice from my spirit. I love to draw bible verses from the bible, to honor God.
As the competition day approached, I became restless, my thoughts racing through possible scenarios of praise and honor. But I had no idea that the God had a different lesson in store for me. I could not help but feel a mixture of excitement and fear as I stood in the crowded auditorium with other artists. The moment finally arrived for the judges and audience to see my painting. My heart was racing as I anticipated their decision. Their criticism slashed through me like a razor blade. Words like “inconsistent,” “unpolished,” and “lacking impact” rang in my ears. It felt like a series of setbacks, leaving me emotionally bruised and doubting my ability. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fought them back, refusing to let the world see my vulnerability. I excused myself from the hall, seeking refuge in the silence of the nearby park. Feeling lost and defeated, I sat on a weathered bench and gazed at the painting I had carried with me.
Amidst my self-pity, a kind voice broke through my thoughts. “Mind if I join you?” I looked up to find a gray-bearded man with warm, understanding eyes. He introduced himself as Mr. Sburlati, an accomplished artist, and a seasoned mentor to struggling souls like mine. As we talked, he shared stories of his own artistic journey, complete with setbacks and disappointments. He described to me that his favorite era was the Renaissance era. How it was an important period for the history of art. All the things that were discovered.The spoke of the transformative power of embracing imperfections and how they breathed life into his art. “Perfection is not the goal, my dear,” he said gently, “it’s the passion and growth that comes from accepting the journey, the process.”
His words struck a chord deep within me, stirring a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Mr. Sburlati showed me his masterpieces and works-in-progress, on his phone I saw the beauty of embracing imperfection. Under his guidance, I embarked on a new canvas, shedding my obsession with perfection. I allowed my brush to dance freely, uninhibited by the fear of judgment. With every stroke, I felt a sense of liberation and newfound joy in my art. I discovered that imperfections added character and depth, revealing the essence of the artist behind the paint.
As the days turned into weeks, I continued to explore this newfound freedom. I experimented with colors and techniques, creating art that felt alive and authentic. This had definitely had been a moment for me to apreNo longand value God’s art in nature. No longer chained by the pressure to impress others, I found solace in the process of creation itself. Staying confident that all things have a purpose. I mean if we take a look at the world around us it’s like looking at a war zone. All of us have to find peace in some place. Although I have realized that the only peace I will ever be fulfilled with is with Jesus’s love. How I have the capability of honoring him with my art works is a blessing. The day of the next art competition arrived, and this time, I felt different. My heart no longer sought validation from the judges or the audience. I had already won the most significant victory – the transformation within me. As my new creation was unveiled, the judges seemed perplexed by its raw beauty. I saw the glimmers of imperfection reflecting at me from the canvas. This time, however, I stood tall, embracing the essence of my journey, my passion, and my growth. To my surprise, the judges awarded me the first prize, but this time, it did not bring the same euphoria. Instead, I smiled, knowing that the true reward was the evolution of my art and my spirit.
From that moment on, my art blossomed into a vivid expression of life, love, and imperfections. Each piece bore a part of my soul, and I no longer feared judgment but welcomed it as an opportunity for growth. Disk platters are circular magnetic plates that we find our true selves. The teachable moment had transformed me, not just as an artist but as a person, reminding me that life’s beauty lies in embracing every stroke of our own unique journey.