The Art Of Finding Myself
“Since a young child, I have always been a creative. Coloring books, paint by number, “Can You Draw This” ads in the newspaper – as a child I loved to create. At four years old I announced I was going to be an art teacher and by age eleven I had started a business painting designs on empty glass bottles and selling them as vases. As a teenager, my creativity expanded into writing poems, short stories, and rap lyrics. My love for portraiture also came to me in my teens, I found the female form to be absolutely beautiful! When I explain to people why I primarily draw and paint women, I use an analogy involving flowers and architecture. I think the architecture of buildings (men) with the straight and angular lines can be aesthetically pleasing and I appreciate the beauty. But I prefer the beauty of flowers (women) with their lovely curves and delicate lines. Upon entering adulthood and after becoming a mother, I lost my connection to art. With the demand of being a wife and a working mother with a high stress job - as a 911 dispatcher - I eventually felt lost and unsure of who I was as a person. I became depressed, anxious, and generally unhappy with my life. I started thinking back to when I felt the happiest and what I was doing during that time. That reflection process led me back to art. I started drawing and painting again. Eventually, I decided to try oils (after working with acrylics) and fell in love. The smooth buttery texture intoxicated me. I learned how to work in layers and take my time with each piece. I still draw and occasionally paint with acrylics, but oil paint is my current art romance. I’m so happy to have found art again and look forward to where it will take me next in life.”
Carla Mitz is an artist residing in Georgia. You can shop handmade products on her website and follow her on instagram here.
