Growing up, social situations were often overwhelming for me, especially during the school year. Whether it was trying to fit in with other kids, engaging in conversations, or simply being in a crowded room, waves of anxiety seemed to crash over me, leaving me feeling lost and disconnected. But there was one place where I always found comfort and peace—my family’s cottage by the lake. That little retreat became my sanctuary, and those long, quiet summer days helped shape the person, and artist, I am today.
My Summer Haven: A Place of Solitude and Imagination
At the cottage, I found a world where I could truly escape. Tucked away from the noise of life, surrounded by trees and perched next to the lake, it felt like I was living in a bubble. There were no social expectations, no pressure to perform—just pure, unfiltered peace. Here, my imagination flourished. I spent hours creating entire world while I explored nature at my own pace.
Time with my mom was especially meaningful during those summers. We would sit for hours working on puzzles, sewing, or drawing together. Those moments helped spark my creativity and help me find my calm.
Nature became my playground, and I was endlessly fascinated by the small details. The red flowers, with their brilliant colour and delicate seeds, captivated me. I would watch as hummingbirds hovered by the feeders, their wings a blur of motion, and it felt as if a part of me was soaring with them, light and untethered. I spent hours tracking tiny bugs, marveling at how they moved with such purpose. And of course, the frogs—oh, how I loved chasing frogs along the shoreline! Each of these experiences pulled me deeper into a world of my own, away from the noise and pressure of social interactions.
Dancing to the Beat of My Own Drum
In that bubble of solitude, I didn’t just observe the world around me—I immersed myself in it. I would spin and twirl, lost in my own rhythm, often to the sound of my grandpa’s old country music playing in the background. I danced freely, without fear or judgment. For those moments, I was entirely myself—unfiltered, unafraid, and unapologetically me.
This freedom became the antidote to the anxiety that haunted me in the “real world.” In my everyday life, I felt like I didn’t quite fit in, but in my bubble, I became everything I dreamed of being: an explorer, a dancer, a storyteller, and an adventurer. It was here that I felt truly connected to the world around me in a way that felt authentic and comforting.
How This Influenced My Art
My latest painting is a reflection of that bubble—a vivid recollection of those carefree summer days. It’s not meant to be a literal representation but an emotional landscape, capturing the essence of the solitude and freedom I felt during those years. In this piece, I wanted to portray the duality of my childhood: the loneliness I often experienced, juxtaposed with the immense joy I found in being alone with my thoughts and the world I created around me. The painting is a blend of whimsy and peace, chaos and calm, mirroring the internal landscape I carried with me at the cottage.
Embracing My Past Through Art
Creating this painting was a deeply personal experience. It allowed me to reconnect with my childhood in a way that felt healing and transformative. With my corporate job I often feel like I’m right back in school full of anxiety, the discomfort of trying to fit into social circles and never quite feeling like I belong. But through my art, I’ve been able to reclaim those moments of pure freedom, when I was simply myself, unencumbered by the noise and expectations of others.
As I painted, I realized that the cottage wasn’t merely a physical place—it represented a state of mind, a space where I embraced my solitude and found strength in it. It was where I discovered the power of imagination and the joy of dancing to the beat of my own drum. This painting evolved into more than a reflection of my past—it became a reminder that I can still retreat into that bubble, reconnect with the fearless, imaginative child I once was, and learn to embrace her once again.
I’m excited to share this journey with you. Stay tuned for what’s next as I continue to tap into that free-spirited girl who’s ready to dance once more.
Christine
Shaping the Crazy 