I must’ve been about 11 years old when I picked up my first paint brush. I was at a store monthly allowance in hand ready to buy the latest and coolest N64 game (super smash bros) but suddenly had a change of heart.
Instead of that video game, I was drawn to something else - a beginners painting kit stocked with brushes, a handful of acrylic paints and a 16' x 20" canvas… the rest is history, they say.
That first “paint pushing” experiment didn’t amount to much, but it did ignite my passion to create and fostered space allowing me to establish a creative voice. Looking back at that day at the store more closely I realize it truly being an intersection moment – a type of crossroads. What would’ve happened if I was too scared or too intimidated to buy that paint set? What if I ignored my curiosity to take a chance? Would I ever discovery painting? I’m can’t say for sure.
I find it interesting that an 11 year old’s seemingly little and inconsequential (at least at the time) decision to buy or not buy a video game ends up sticking with me through the years. In fact, that day in the store and the core of that experience will always reminder me to keep discovering, try new things and to not let fear take control. I’m sure we all have those moments where we make a choice “to go here and not there” or “pursue that but not this”. For me, it drives my desire to avoid or at least reduce the frequency of the “what if” questions.
And yes, in case you were wondering I did eventually get my paws on the now very retro N64 game, it’s not that great, but I’m sure many folks would disagree.
-rq
