Painting In A Flow State Of Mind
A spectator approaches an artist at a gallery and says, “you’re so lucky you found your passion.” The artist responds, “what looks like passion from your perspective is intentional living from mine.” Opportunities are available to those who are seeking them through intentional living and perseverance. After all, even the most experienced artists endure self-doubt.
“I found myself getting frustrated and, in my mind, telling myself that my painting wasn’t as good as others,” expressed Jessica Ando, founder of Jessica Ando Art. “...[then] I made a definite declaration within myself that I would continue painting, but no longer let any negative thoughts enter my mind while I painted...I was in awe to see that the shift in my mindset changed everything about the painting.”
Jessica Ando creates art that awakens the soul. “I started Jessica Ando Art in 2014 because I was at a place in my life where I felt it was necessary for my well-being to highlight and show a part of myself that I love and to know that I can let myself be seen and shine,” said Jessica.
Michelle: Share how you discovered your passion for creating art. How has this evolved over time?
Jessica: I discovered my passion for art at a very young age, maybe around early elementary school age, when I would doodle and have so much fun creating different types of lettering and fonts. I was always drawn to anything creative-- singing, music, visual arts. Fast forward to college as a psychology major, it was only then that I started to focus on visual arts and decided to take on a studio arts minor.
I was able to learn different mediums-- acrylic painting, watercolor, photography, jewelry making, drawing, digital arts, etc. It was through some specific paintings that I did in my classes that I had my first encounter with how much art would teach me about living life.
While working late one night on a painting in the art studio, I found myself getting frustrated and in my mind, telling myself that my painting wasn’t as good as others, among other self-critical thoughts. I saw that the paint was getting thick and muddy as I kept trying to perfect the shadows and tones of what I was painting. I then had a moment where I made a definite declaration within myself that I would continue painting, but no longer let any negative thoughts enter my mind while I painted.
As any negative thoughts crept in, I immediately blocked them out. I then entered a free flowing state where I felt I was one with my brush, the canvas, the paint, and even the subject I was painting. I was in awe to see that the shift in my mindset changed everything about the painting. The paint seemed to blend perfectly, my brushstrokes became smooth and effortless, and the painting itself became beautiful. I witnessed how my thoughts affected the physical world in front of me.
As I thought about what I wanted to do after graduating, I decided on a wonderful graduate degree program in Marriage and Family Therapy and specialized training in Clinical Art Therapy at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles-- a perfect combination of my interests!
I learned so much about how art can facilitate therapeutic interventions and healing. I continue to work as a licensed therapist and always incorporate art therapy with those I work with. I always continued to paint on my own and with time, began to find my own style and process with watercolor.
In 2014, I felt ready to start sharing my own personal art as a small business. I never had the intention or thought to be a professional artist, but the more I shared my art, the more I saw wonderful doors opening-- new friends, connections, and community started to form because of this and my art business slowly has grown over the years. And here I am today creating even more connections and support with Oak + Pine!
Michelle: What does intentional living mean to you?
Jessica: Intentional living means living creatively. By that I mean, having a vision/intention of what you want, allowing for complete openness and trust and at the same time, paired with action and hard work toward your vision. I find this to be the key when it comes to painting-- I know what I want to create and I set that intention clearly.
However, when I begin to paint, I allow the creative process to take place in whatever way it needs to. Sometimes a painting goes in a different direction, but I trust that it will still be aligned with my intention. I find there is a perfect balance in being in control and intentional, and at the same time, fully open and surrendered. That is where the magic happens.
I believe that if we can live life that way as well, we will experience the truest and best parts of ourselves and of life.
Michelle: When you’re creating art, what does your flow state look and feel like?
Jessica: When I create art, whether it is a piece for myself or someone one else, I have a clear vision and intention set. I also incorporate meditation before I begin so that I am closely aligned with the energy that I want to infuse into the painting. Then I begin!
While I paint, I continue to hold the intention in my whole body. I sometimes will talk to my painting in my mind while I am creating, saying she is beautiful, that I trust her, and that she already exists! I often think of Michelangelo’s quote-- “I saw an angel in the stone, and carved to set her free.” I love this because I do believe that the painting already is there and already exists, and my job is to help her to emerge for all to see.
When I am in this state, it feels as though creativity is flowing through me and while I am part of creating something, I feel a sense of guidance and intuition that leads me to know what to do. It can feel that I am witness to what is being created in front of me. I feel an alignment with what my hands are doing and the flow of new ideas that are coming up in my mind.
It is a very abundant and blissful feeling and I know that these moments represent my most authentic and free self. When I complete a painting, I often look back at it and am amazed how it all came together.
Michelle: What are the biggest lessons your artwork has taught you so far?
Jessica: Art has taught and shown me my true self. I know that when I am open, trusting, and holding a vision and intention, that things beyond what I imagine are possible! It has taught me how to trust myself and how I want to live my life. This year my intention for 2021 is to do my best in translating my creative process into my everyday life.
Michelle: Where do you plan on taking your business in the next 5 years?
Jessica: I would love to create more art pieces that can touch people’s souls and have a positive impact on how they view themself and the world. I would love to create a meaningful and intentional mural, a book of my art and creative process, and have an art show at a gallery!
Discovering your passion means exploring skill sets, being consistent, and strengthening your mindset. Yet, most people move through life with a lack of intention. Like Jessica’s philosophy with her artwork, when you live life with openness and trust the entrepreneurial journey, you might be pleasantly surprised how things turn out.
If you’re looking to surround yourself with inspiring women like Jessica, consider joining The Oak + Pine Society. Where you will move from an uncertain startup to confident CEO leading a purpose-driven business.