Growing as a person and as an artist isn’t a straight path; instead, it’s like riding the tides that naturally ebb and flow. Some days, I feel caught up in a wave of energy, inspiration, and sudden breakthroughs that seem to come easily. Other days are calmer, quieter, and more about patience and persistence, just to keep moving forward. It’s all part of the beautiful journey.
This reminded me of the inspiring words from the AA Promises in Alcoholics Anonymous:
“Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us—sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them.”
Those words truly touched my heart. Eighteen years ago, when I first heard them, I was feeling quite lost and longing for a change, but I didn’t quite know which way to go. The Promises brought me hope, showing that life could become better, not overnight, and not without its bumps, but through consistent effort and trust in the journey.
Over time, I’ve come to see that this principle goes beyond just recovery. It’s really helped shape who I am both as a person and as an artist. Every piece I create feels like a promise, a promise to grow, to learn, and to transform. Sometimes, that promise appears suddenly, like a flash of insight when a form on the wheel suddenly finds its center, or a sculpted line bursts into life. Other times, the fulfillment unfolds gradually, over weeks or even years, as my skills improve, confidence builds, and my voice begins to find its true sound.
The important part is the last phrase: “They will always materialize if we work for them.” That’s the anchor. The daily return to clay, to sketchbook, to reflection. The commitment to keep working when inspiration whispers and when it falls silent.
Growing as a person is a journey with its ups and downs. Sometimes, I get brief glimpses of who I’m becoming, filling me with joy or clarity. Other times, progress feels slow, like I’m plodding through the same lessons repeatedly. But I remind myself that every small effort and quiet choice to keep going contribute to something greater in the end.
Art and life beautifully reflect each other, inspiring patience and rewarding perseverance. They gently remind us that growth, whether swift or slow, isn’t an impossible dream; it’s real, within reach, and continually unfolding. These moments of promise are warmly waiting for us to embrace them.
Kinetic Becoming is my way of living that promise, always moving, always unfolding, always becoming.
Hands to clay, eyes to the future.
