Drawn back to New York and art
“…almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
My heart drew me back. Back to New York and to art.
It's not easy to return to something you love. Love is constant discovery, interest, feeling and negotiation and I have been delinquent in my duties. While I have never been disdainful, I have delivered the dull poison of neglect.
Two months have passed since I returned, seven years since I left. But thankfully, this is not a story of regret; you see, my heart led me away.
I fell in love with a wonderful girl and moved back to my home town of Caracas, Venezuela. The move included new responsibilities. My summer job in college became a full-time investment and eventually turned into a career.
Finding parallels between business communication training and illustration took some time, but it's easier than you would imagine. Illustrators are communicators and problem solvers. When the canvas becomes the classroom, your work involves moving every participant towards a vision of excellence. In other words, problem solving through communication.
So, while my relationship fizzled after a year-and-a-half, I broadened and strengthened my love for the multi-layered art of communication. Being a trainer has taught me to control an impulse toward solipsism and reactiveness that still threatens to destroy me. Teaching has made me a better learner.
There's magic in the exchange of knowledge. I find no contradiction to my agnosticism, when I say that great teachers are immortal. We all know that certain lessons have the power to haunt us. While it takes time and maturity to apply certain concepts, These teachings have a way of returning and materializing when you're ready to receive them.
My appreciation for my teachers grows with every student I train and each drawing I complete. I dedicate this work to them.
So, welcome to Drawn Back, a journal of artistic redemption. A depository for drawings, photos, stories, illustrations and self-centered ramblings that document my return to art and it's relationship with business.
We will honestly explore failure and success on our journey together. May these posts edify and entertain you.
"There is no reason not to follow your heart."
-Alex
