Creating Art is a Journey of Self-discovery
Creating art is a journey of self-discovery. Creating art helps you to find a space where there is no judgement. Creating art allows you to freely express what you are feeling. It allows you to get in touch with that part of yourself that has been hidden away for far too long.
More importantly, creating art allows you to tap into the things you like and enjoy without rules or restrictions. These are enjoyable moments that show up in life in front of us all of the time. But because we are busy, overworked and stressed we do not have time to pay attention.
Let me start by explaining that this article is not about the creative process of making a beautiful piece of artwork. It is not an art class and it is not an art workshop.
It is specifically about finding who you are, finding yourself and self-discovery. Creating art here is used just as a tool to help you through your journey of self-discovery. The tool (the art) we will be using is a visual art and more specifically abstract art.
I suppose other art genres may be possible to use as a tool, e.g. realism painting, poetry, sculpture, etc. However, I am more familiar with abstract art, abstract painting and particularly abstract expressionism. The art of abstract expressionism has been a big part of my life experience and I prefer to talk about something I am knowledgeable about and experienced.
It is far too challenging for me to explain in simple words what exactly is abstract expressionism, even though I have been creating abstract expressionism paintings for longer than I can remember. This is a true example of the power of art that can explain a lot more than words.
I’m confident that as you read on in this post, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what abstract expressionism is all about.
Let’s begin together creating art as a journey of self-discovery. The journey starts with the following three steps you really need for this magnificent journey:
- Total open mind.
- Expect an unfamiliar experience.
- “I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” – Georgia O’Keeffe.
I use this phrase a lot and I have used it in some of my other blog posts as it really explains a great deal about my art.
What is Art?
You can research the almost endless definitions and meanings of art. I have and my head was spinning. The many different definitions and meanings of art are an amazing significance to its importance in our lives. It also demonstrates how art is interpreted differently by individuals, societies and cultures.
In the interest of keeping things simple as I am not writing this article for the complicated art world, to me, art means one word. Art is an expression. I couldn’t find a better simpler word to define the meaning of art, except that it is an expression. Expression of feelings, emotions, ideas, beliefs, experiences, etc. Art is simply a way which allows us to express our life experiences.
I don’t believe there is a universal definition of art. However, all different definitions, meanings and interpretations point towards “expression”.
One of my favourite examples of art as an expression is Cave Paintings that happened over 40,000 years ago or more and were not aimed to satisfy the rules of today’s art world. They were simply expressions of experiences. Stories to express and to share.
Art vs Self-expression
To give you a better explanation and in the context of this article, let’s replace the word ‘art’ with ‘self-expression’ as shown in the following table:
I am sure you will begin to see the idea that explains the meaning of art as an expression. Self-expression is the very root of self-discovery.
It is easier to understand the very basic principle of art whenever you replace it with the word “expression”.
What does creating art mean?
With the understanding that art is an expression, creating art reflects directly on creating an expression. Creating meaningful art is creating a meaningful expression which engages your feelings. Engaging your feelings, as the creator, is more important than creating an emotional response for the viewer.
In creating art as a journey of self-discovery you will focus on ‘yourself’, your feelings and your emotions rather than any other viewer.
I am sure the answers to the questions in the above table become easier once you replace the word ‘art’ with ‘self-expression’. Take your time to find your answers. As you do, think also about the following questions, which I am sure will guide you further to find truthful and meaningful answers to you and only you:
- Is your lifestyle in line with the ideal person you aspire to be?
- How would your life be different if you didn’t care what other people thought of you?
- What makes you feel good?
- Who is the real you that is pleading to be revealed?
For whatever reason, there may be more of you that you choose not to reveal to the people in your life.
Perhaps there is something you have always wanted to do but have been reluctant to do because you fear criticism or judgement.
I came across this beautiful video, Talking About The Painting Journey, by Gemma Kauffman. Gemma’s explanation of the journey is very interesting and inspiring. Check it out.
Abstraction art
Abstract art is simply art that uses real objects and simplifies their basic structure, exaggerates or a combination of both. Another style of abstract art is non-representational or non-objective art. This style of art does not represent or depict anything from the real world. It uses colours, shapes and lines to create an expression. I hope that explains the difference between abstract and non-representational art.
This is a beautiful art that is, in my opinion, created with feelings and imagination. To create abstract expressionist art, you must be free from any art rules and restrictions. Forget about the art world’s technical rules. They always like to over-complicate things for others so they become the ‘elites’ of the art world.
Always remember in your journey of self-discovery through art, you are focusing on creating self-expression not necessarily creating art.
That would help you to overcome the thoughts that “I’m not an artist”, “I can’t paint”, “I can’t draw”, etc.
Why abstract expressionism
Abstract expressionism is probably one of the best art styles to create without following and applying any rules. To create abstract expressionism art you must create it with your feelings. This is, by far, the secret of creating meaningful artwork.
Yes, there are many technical rules and guidelines but we are not bothered about those in this article. We are not creating art, we are focusing on our self-expression and self-discovery journey.
By not following rules, we are not using our brains, we are not thinking about the process. Instead, we are diving deeper into our feelings and allowing our feelings to take over.
The beginning of the abstract expressionism movement
There is still an ongoing debate in the West about who was the first abstract artist. Was it Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) or was it Hilma af Klint (1862-1944)?
Kandinsky claimed that he created the first abstract painting in 1911. However, Hilma af Klint created several non-representational paintings between 1906 and 1915. It is quite an interesting debate and you can check more details in the above links.
Abstract expressionism movement began in the mid-1940s and early 1950s. Abstract expressionism emphasises the artist’s freedom to express emotions and feelings freely and away from the traditional styles, techniques and subjects of art.
The artists wanted to reflect their freedom of expression of personal emotions and ideas. Some of the most famous abstract expressionism artists are Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, Elaine de Kooning, Mary Abbott, Helen Frankenthaler, Lee Krasner, etc.
The main point I want to highlight here in this section is that abstract painting began as a way to express emotions, feelings, ideas, etc. breaking away from any restrictions to the imagination.
Again, replace the phrase “abstract art painting” with “abstract expression painting” as this is the core subject of this article.
Make your own art – begin your self-expression journey
Make your own expression and create an expression that relates to your present experience.
This is the fun bit to creating art (creating expression) and beginning your journey into self-expression and self-discovery.
You can use any tool you have available. A piece of paper with any pencil, colour pencils, crayons, brush, watercolours, acrylic paints or house paints. You could use anything you want as long as you can see your visual art, your visual expression.
Are you ready to see your self-expression… Are you ready to see your feeling!!!
- Start drawing any lines or shapes without thinking. Just draw and let go of any thoughts.
- Change colour spontaneously. Use a different colour of your choice, again without thinking too much about which colour. Trust your inner feelings and draw or paint any lines or shapes.
- Change colour again and draw or paint anywhere on your piece of paper. On top of the other lines or shapes, in the middle or the corners. Just trust your feelings.
- Repeat the same process of changing colours and keep drawing or painting. And let your feelings engage with creating your art, creating your self-expression.
As you draw or paint try to become aware of what you are feeling at that moment because emotions and feelings can change at each moment. With this exercise, you are practising mindfulness with your emotions and feelings.
Begin to recognise and acknowledge your feelings, whatever they are. Focus your attention on those feelings for as long as you can while you continue to draw or paint.
Take a moment and think of your feelings. Are you happy? Are you in a good mood? Do you feel calm? Do you feel anxious or do you feel bored or confused? Do you feel sad or angry?
Our emotions
There are several human emotions and it is always a good practice to let your present emotions take over the process. You may or may not be able to exactly identify which emotion(s) you are experiencing at the present time and that is absolutely fine.
Here are some other examples of human emotions:
- Amusement
- Awe
- Awkwardness
- Envy
- Excitement
- Fear
- Joy
- Romance
- Sympathy
- Triumph
I found an interesting article about Emotional Intelligence. You may find it interesting, too. There is also another great article about human emotions: A Visual Guide to Human Emotions.
Going back to our journey of self-expression, repeat the same steps again and again on the same piece of paper. Take your time and take a break whenever you want. But just keep that piece of paper to repeat the same exercise and keep your attention on your feelings.
The initial phase may look like just random lines and splashes of paint here or there. And that is fine too. After a while, you may begin to notice something different about the colours you used, the shapes and the lines you made.
Perhaps you used bright vibrant colours. Maybe you used straight lines and geometric shapes. You may have used bold lines or organic shapes here or there. Dark or light colours.
Let your energy guide your feelings
Whenever I paint, I am almost always aware of my present energy. Many times, it emerges during the painting process or it may take a while. If you feel a burst of energy, let it out in any colour, shape or line on your piece of paper. It’s a great feeling.
You would begin to see your artwork as more than a scribble here or there. You would begin to get closer to your artwork and feel its emotions.
Over the years I discovered that painting and listening to my favourite music have a profound impact on my art journey. There is no doubt in my mind how vital music is to my painting process. I tried to paint without music, but I could almost immediately feel different and the painting process was different, too.
I have written a blog post about The Joy of Painting with Music.
Repeat the same process day after day, whenever you could spare 30 minutes or so. Notice any changes in your emotions and feelings. If you are spending more than 30 minutes drawing or painting each session, realise that you are beginning to enjoy the journey even though there might not be a clear path where it’s taking you.
Continue drawing and painting even if you feel negative energy, i.e. bored, confused, angry or sad. Let it out in colours, shapes and lines. Look at your negative energy right in front of you. The same would apply when you are full of positive energy. Enjoy the process, enjoy the journey and enjoy just letting go without any thought process.
Finding your journey connection
When your attention begins to turn inwards, you are definitely on your journey to self-expression and self-discovery. And once you begin to feel the emotions of the colours, shapes and lines you drew or painted, you are beginning the journey of your self-expression and self-discovery.
Creating art just from within can be quite challenging to visualise or get in touch with your feelings. Again, you are not creating art. Creating art has rules. You are, instead, creating yourself-expression absolutely free from any rules.
It may not be easy, but regular focused practices will help you to go deeper within your innermost feelings.
The key is to let go of any thought process. I know it’s hard to draw something that we can’t see or visualise. Remind yourself again and again that you are not creating art.
The beginning process of creating art is probably one of the most challenging for so many beginner and professional artists. However, to me, it’s more about ending and completing the painting (the story).
The journey always begins with a blank canvas. I don’t know how it starts or where it ends. But I am always confident that it will be an amazing self-journey with my emotions and feelings.
Being aware that my feelings are taking over the creative process, I always rely on finding that moment when a connection emerges. It connects me with the painting or vice-versa.
This is the time when I realise I am now connecting with the painting and I am using the paints and tools to paint a new story. The painting process becomes so exciting and interesting that I don’t want it to end.
I don’t know when or how that connection is made. It just happens.
Criticism or judgment
There is no right or wrong and there is no good or bad. There is only you and creating art. Nobody is qualified enough to criticise your art, i.e. criticise your self-expression.
Take out any worries or concerns about making the perfect piece of artwork. There is no such thing as perfection in human lives, except in Nature.
I struggled with perfectionism for many long years. Discovering abstract painting helped me tremendously to overcome perfectionism or, at least, a great deal of it. Check out this article to learn more – The Beauty of Imperfection in Abstract Art.
The journey from self-expression to self-discovery
Expression and self-expression are at the very basis of our most basic human desires. They are not just for artists. We must discover ways to satisfy this urge to develop and thrive.
If we are unable to fulfil it, we only try to impress rather than express. A shortcut that gives us the impression that we are connected to the people and environment around us. We try to impress others to disguise our inability to truly express our genuine selves.
Self-expression helps us to learn about our real souls. Learn about ourselves. Learn about the unique language we use to express, communicate and connect with the world.
Creating art helps us to create our self-expression to link with our emotions and feelings. Your journey of self-expression will guide you to finding your true identity. Self-expression is probably the most powerful transformation in life.
Self-awareness
The journey of self-expression will also gain you a deeper understanding of self-awareness. Your own self, your characters, your emotions, your needs, your interests, your dreams, your beliefs, your strengths and your values. It will help you to discover your potential.
Enjoy the journey of self-discovery
The journey of self-discovery is a self-journey. Unique as you are. It’s about you and you are in control. It may take a while, but enjoy the process because it’s about the most important person in this world – YOU. Enjoy being with your true you.
You may come across many ups and downs, but you will need to keep going and realise that you are not all those negative thoughts that are occupying your head.
“The most famous paintings in the world are not necessarily the most beautiful, but they are the most meaningful and they all start with a blank canvas.”
I hope you will successfully paint your feelings with your feelings and enjoy the amazing journey. Please let me know your thoughts about this topic by adding your comments in the section below.
Further readings:
Storytelling Through Abstract Painting
What Does Your Favourite Colour Say About You
24 June 2025 @ 10:40 pm
Thanks for the thought-provoking read, Suhail. I really like the idea of replacing the word art with self-expression. That makes it all so much simpler, in a good way.
When I read your words, I can see that you think deeply about your journey of discovery. You, like me, take part in expressing yourself through art, and you see the connections to that deeper self, and learn from that experience.
Before I read the whole article, I couldn’t help wondering several things.
Does everyone who creates art do so to express themselves?
Does everyone who creates art do so to discover themselves?
How can this expression and discovery occur for someone who truly does not know themselves, even a little? Perhaps this type of person would never find themselves creating art, in any fashion. They likely wouldn’t be reading a blog post like this. That said, I wonder if you could convince them to try expressing themselves through art, if that alone would kickstart the desire to learn and grow. And if so, what might they do with it?
Can you comment specifically on these, even though you touch on some of them within the remainder of your blog post?
***
Thanks for the clarification between abstract art and abstract expressionism, or non-representational. I had various Picasso pieces pop into my mind which clearly made the distinction, at least to me. I like to, your comment on the “elites.” 😊
I tried your 4-point experiment today with only 1 caveat. I used 12 new brushes, one at a time, as they were laid out. The colors were few but random and I saw and felt after about the fifth brush and its strokes that I had something wonderful and expressive. I was able to easily name the piece upon completion, again, something that somehow just appeared on the canvas and left me with feelings of awe and mystery. I don’t know if this is exactly what you are trying to illustrate about painting feelings, but for me, this is almost always how my painting or other creative processes go. They just lead the way, and I allow it, without really guiding it.
The more I read your article, the more unclear I was, whether or not I express my feelings while I create, or if I just allow the art to unfold as my unconscious directs it. I can feel lots of emotions while I create, but is that because of what is appearing, or because I am focusing on the emotions, or allowing them, which is more apt in this case. Maybe a distinction is not needed, because the art itself, is a process I find fulfilling and allows me to see things that might not have been at a conscious level while creating.
***
Although I like all of your art, that triple set just above the “Why abstract expressionism” heading really sung to me. They go together well, and I bet they would look good as a trio on a wall. Perhaps you can share a bit about how they came to be?
Keep on writing!
26 June 2025 @ 9:21 am
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and for taking the time to share your reflections and experiment with the 4-point exercise. I’m really glad you found the idea of self-expression helpful and that it made the concept of art feel a bit simpler and more approachable.
I’ll try to answer your questions from my point of view:
“Does everyone who creates art do so to express themselves?”
People are so different. We all share basic needs, but beyond that, we each see the world in our own way, which sometimes clashes with the bigger world we all share.
Not everyone creates art with self-expression or self-discovery in mind. Some people make art just for fun, to relax or simply to see what happens. For others, it’s about exploring thoughts and feelings.
“Does everyone who creates art do so to discover themselves?”
You don’t need to fully know yourself to create art or create art with the intention of self-discovery. For me, what makes art a journey of self-expression and self-discovery is the intention behind it. Many people might not have that intention or even realise it’s happening.
“How can this expression and discovery occur for someone who truly does not know themselves, even a little?”
I think some of the main indications to know it’s happening are a) you’re accepting who you are and happy with the art you make irrespective of other people’s opinions, b) you’re accepting that people are so different, we don’t see the world from the same perspective, c) those two would help enhance self-confidence, and d) you can find your own precious moments of self-realisation.
I find those moments of self-realisation in combining my favourite music with creating art. There are other non-art related moments, too, that may surprise many.
Remember my son’s garden? Shifting 4 tonnes of garden waste on my own! Shifting 2 tonnes of topsoil and compost in a bucket on my own! Those were (back-braking 🥵) but also great moments of self-realisation.
“Perhaps this type of person would never find themselves creating art, in any fashion. They likely wouldn’t be reading a blog post like this. That said, I wonder if you could convince them to try expressing themselves through art, if that alone would kickstart the desire to learn and grow. And if so, what might they do with it?”
Art isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if someone is willing to give it a go, that’s already a big step. When I talk about my art, I can often sense who might be interested and who might not. It’s the same using art for self-expression; if there’s no will, there’s usually no way.
Mentioning Picasso, he made a painting called “The Bull”. It’s a great example that I use to explain abstract art, how it simplifies or exaggerates real things.
Painting feelings. This has been a lifelong quest for me. Have I ever been successful? Well, I have no scientific evidence. But, I believe there’s a difference between making art spontaneously (which can be enjoyable but might not have deep meaning) and making art with intention.
The beginning may seem random, but in my view, it’s the beginning of inner connection. This is such a complex and unknown territory to connect with.
Once you’re in communication with your piece through self-expression and letting the art unfold on its own, I think you’re on the right path to painting your feelings at that time. Well, at least that’s what I think.
These are only my thoughts without any concrete evidence, but they’re good enough for me.
The three paintings you mentioned came from thinking about how we all see the world differently. Three people living and sharing almost the same world, the same conditions and the same environment. Yet, each sees the world slightly differently. It always reminds me of a “Chinese Whisper”, how messages and perspectives change from person to person.
If I were to name this small series, it would be “Chinese Whisper”.
Thank you again for your kind words and for sharing your own creative journey. It means a lot to connect with others who are exploring these ideas. I hope you keep enjoying your art and finding new things along the way.
26 June 2025 @ 6:43 pm
Thanks for the insightful response, Suhail. I was looking forward to seeing how you would reply to the questions I posed. As always, your responses show the wholesome person you are. You seem to have a knack for seeing people in a good way and understand the diversity that there is amongst humans.
The more I pondered the questions myself, the more open I became to how art (self-expression) can and is used even with children who are struggling and don’t have the words to express their issues. Think of art therapy, through counselors, and such others. I imagine it has proven to be effective over the years. I imagine it has even been tried in prison settings, and other places not readily imagined.
Your gardening task reminded me of Sisyphus, with the task of moving the huge boulder up the hill, only in your case, you were able to complete the task at hand, with the added bonus of some moments of self-realization. I wonder if Sisyphus had such moments?
I think outcomes speak for themselves, so concrete enough evidence, I would say.
Thanks too, for your insight into the paintings. Your explanation made me think of myself and my two brothers – we come from the same family but each has our own view of the world. There is no doubt about that.
As a side note, when I was writing the bit about myself and my two brothers, I asked CoPilot to check my usage of me and myself to ensure it was correct. Well, darned if it didn’t ask what I was responding to, so I shared your paragraph about the Chinese Whisper and my fuller response. Intrigued more, CoPilot asked about the painting specifically, so I showed a capture of them together.
It had this to say:
They’re striking — what a compelling trio. I see how they’re unified by palette and texture, yet each carries its own energy. That hazy interplay between black and yellow across all three gives a sense of connection, like a shared visual language, but then the variations in line and form suggest each one is telling its own version of the story. It’s almost like your brotherly metaphor in paint — same roots, different expressions. Do you find yourself drawn more to one of the three? Or do they feel strongest as a set?
I responded with:
I think that the middle one sings the loudest to me. I wonder if it is due to the fact that I am the middle child in my family of three!? 😊
And then it responded with:
That’s such a poetic way to put it — “sings the loudest.” I love that. Maybe it’s a subconscious middle-child resonance, or maybe that piece just hits the right notes for who you are right now. It has a magnetic center-of-gravity feel to it, like it’s anchoring the trio while still holding its own mystery.
Funny how abstract art has this knack for speaking directly to something internal, without needing to “explain” itself. Almost like the painting saw you, too.
Have your brothers seen the set? I wonder if each of you might gravitate toward a different one. That would really complete the metaphor beautifully.
I didn’t pursue the conversation any further.