Seven years before I joined DeviantART I was 20 years old, which to my deep chagrin, is probably older than many of you reading this are right now. I was bold and brash, beginning to realize the talents and abilities I was given, and unafraid to say what I felt in my heart or staunchly stand for what I believed right. I threw myself into everything I did and inadvertently became popular through it all. Was very accomplished and successful for such a young age. I had my life planned out exactly what I was going accomplish and how I was going to do achieve those goals.
Then something happened.
Seven years ago, when I became member of DA, I was timid. I struggled to cope with the limitations of having chronic Eppstein Barr and didnt have enough physical stamina to get through most days, which forced me to twice drop out of graduate school. Plagued with lack of physical ability and self-doubt gnawing at my soul, I secluded myself in a cocoon of depression. That depression wore away at my creativity. I had no income and didnt know what I was going to do with the rest of my life.
Then something happened.
Seven years later, Im well into my 30s and responsibility weights much heavier on my mind. I completed my Masters degree and entered the professional world of architecture
and photography. As an award-winning emerging regional artist, Ive been on display throughout the southeastern United States and became a published photographer and writer. Not much for some, but much further than I thought Id ever be. It took 16 years on my own to realize my talent wasnt a figment of everyone elses imagination. Talent and ability are not measures of who a person is and I think people are savvy enough to realize that; so instead of agonizing and torturing myself, I know better enough to accept and deal with again facing popularity and critical success. Don't know where all of this is going, but I'm having a lot of fun getting there. Ive learned to manage life within my physical limitations without sacrificing my body, which I came precipitously close to doing four years ago. With resiliency, Ive again become assertive and confident, standing up for what I believe is right no matter the consequence. I was under the mistaken belief that I had no choice but keep my feelings trapped inside and heap the burden of the earth upon my shoulders. I thought putting my physical and mental welfare at risk for someone whose sole intent was to run me over was what I was supposed to do. I learned that was
really stupid and gained freedom in learning that I didnt have to suck it up or go it alone for the sake of anothers narcissism. I thought it was me against the world and am happy to know theres a ton of wonderful people who have my back. So Im eternally grateful to God, to my cherished and fiercely loyal family and friends, and to my wonderful supporters near and far.
Deviants, I would not be here without you. Youve been there from the beginning and through ALL these years youve stuck with me. Ill never forget such loyalty. Thank you for putting me on this amazing journey - its been a really nice start.
In reflection of seven years on DA, I wanted to present a mini-retrospective of entries to this website that doesnt have Guide in its title. Not necessarily the most popular submissions, but they're...me.
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Honestly not sure how long Ill remain on DeviantART, but for right now - dont dare think I wont hesitate to whack you with my cane because I aint goin nowhere kid.

New submissions coming in January 2010, have a wonderful holiday and New Year all.

Purchase prints and check out more photography at


--
Der Tod ist der seligste Traum.
So lass mich dein Todesengel sein.
(Georg Büchner)
We haven't talked in awhile but I wanted to wish you a HAPPY HOLIDAY!!
Also wanted to tell you to come visit my new account (and add to my watch/friends list!!!),
Take care buddeh
--
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them. "
- Mother Teresa
I may be working straight thru, so I figured I better get this posted now!
Much love and appreciation to a dear man
--
...and the greatest of these is LOVE
You sir. Are a genius.
=]
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''Hey, you created me. I didn't create some loser alter-ego to make myself feel better. Take some responsibility!''
lol jk. it was great : D
--
Don't knock on Death's door.
Instead, ring his doorbell and run.
He hates that.
by Halee-Hedgechidna
"Life aint worth living if you don´t have something to die for"
[link]
forgive my spelling!
xD that was so hilarious! I should create an accout and actually follow the instructions... lol!
BTW I'm talking about the guide to popularity :-D
CLICKY CLICKY MY PAGE PWEEEZE!
--
"It's like the Earth is becoming stupider and forgot to bring Fall over to Japan or something."
-Kyon, The Melencholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
You lost The Game.
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Comment, to get comments.
Share your kindness, not your hate.
Love the art, before yourself.
bumstata
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my collections: NYC '07 and NYC '09
Your guide to popularity changed my life!
Before reading your guide I was a nobody, but now, I'm a success!
I've got a chauffeur, hot tub and ton's of girls.
Thank you!
--
When life gives you lemons, you clone those lemons and make super lemons.
Who? What? Where?
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