Hello and happy International Creators’ Day!
I have some news to share, but first a question — how do you express who you are?
Particularly in America, often the first question people ask upon meeting is, “what do you do?” So rarely do we consider who we are…
Some people write, some play music, others create gardens, or bake, or build… For me, it’s writing and painting. And while yes — I’m writing to let you know I have finally finished creating, modifying, and tweaking my art website, and it is now live and beautifully (if I do say so myself 🙃) updated — this message is more about the deeper why behind it all…
When I paint, time seems to fall away. It’s not about hours or outcomes — it’s about presence. There’s something almost divine in that stillness, and I think it’s the same for anyone who’s ever been moved by a piece of art. Whether it’s a portrait of a loved one, a moment in nature, or something quietly symbolic, paintings have a way of holding emotion and memory that words sometimes can’t.
Art, for me, at least, is deeply personal — and it can be for anyone. One doesn’t need to ‘understand’ a painting to appreciate it.
A painting can become part of a family’s story, passed from one generation to the next. It’s not just an image; it’s a feeling, a memory, a way of keeping something or someone close.
If you’d like to take a look, the new site is here: ArtByBellaStJohn.com. I have shared portraits, wildlife, heritage pieces, and glimpses of the world through my eyes.
…and of course, I am always interested in discussing possible commissions… Maybe — just maybe — something there will echo something in you.
So to circle back to where we started… How do you express who you are?
Whether it’s through words, gestures, colours, or simply how you live your life — I hope you’re giving that part of yourself a voice….
Much love
~ Bella x