Blossoming Through Time: A Love Letter to My Younger Self

Circa 1980 Last family trip with Mom - Me, Jerry, Mommy & Joe photo by Daddy

In my latest body of work, I find myself revisiting the vivid memories of my childhood, those innocent days when art was a portal into a world of boundless imagination. I would draw flowers with big, vibrant petals, daring to explore unusual color combinations that only a child's untamed creativity could conjure. Art, back then, was my sanctuary—a place where houses were constructed from candy, cars soared through the sky, and animals whispered secrets in hushed tones.

But life has a way of changing us. At the tender age of nine, I was forced to confront a tragedy that shattered my world—my mother's untimely passing. In the wake of this loss, my art underwent a profound transformation. It became a reflection of my inner turmoil, manifesting in angry, pointed, and dark expressions. My heart, broken and bruised, found solace in these somber creations as I navigated the depths of my grief.

Summon The Crow, 11x14 on paper, earlier work, MG Stout

Yet, as I embarked on this intensely personal artistic journey, I gradually realized that my experiences were not isolated and that my pain resonated with others I encountered on my path. This revelation became the catalyst for my evolution as an artist. I learned to channel my pain into empathy and understanding, connecting with those who, too, had weathered life's storms.

Nowhere to hide, charcoal, colored pencil, pencil drawing on paper. early work

I remember how proud I was when I successfully drew a heart shape and a five-pointed star as a child. They were so difficult for me to draw at first, but I kept at it, determined to master these challenging shapes. Today, I incorporate those shapes into my artistic lexicon, not only as a nod to my youthful determination but as a reminder that practice makes perfect. Just as I persisted in mastering those shapes, so too have I persevered through life's trials and tribulations.

Summer Vacation (Hottest One on record!) mixed media on canvas 12x12, MG Stout 2023

Today, as I stand before you with this new series of art, I deliberately choose a different path. I choose joy and positivity. My flowers, with their exuberant petals and vibrant hues, are symbols of resilience and beauty. They are a testament to the strength that can emerge from adversity. Each stroke of color on the canvas is a declaration that, despite the storms that may have raged in my past, I now embrace the sunshine that blooms within me.

I can Make My Own Flowers, 24x36, mixed media on canvas, MG Stout 2023

These flowers are more than just images; they are love letters to my younger self. They embody the spirit of a child who dreamed of a world without limits and has the power to reignite that youthful sense of wonder in all who gaze upon them. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to choose happiness, just as I have chosen to do.

Pink Pavement & Black Stems, 11x14 mixed media on paper, MG Stout 2023

In this collection, I invite you to join me on a journey of rediscovery—a journey that celebrates the enduring beauty of the human spirit, the resilience of the heart, and the unwavering power of choosing happiness. And in the heart shapes and five-pointed stars that grace my canvases, I offer a gentle reminder that, through practice and persistence, we can shape our own destinies and find beauty even in the most unexpected places.