My Artistic Journey: Small Town Girl with a Passion

Hi!! This is so new to me... I've written blogs for work, but I don't think I've ever written a blog for my own personal use! But I thought, now's a good time to start! If you've stumbled upon this page, welcome! Here's a little info about moi :)

My Upbringing: A Creative Foundation

A little bit of background - I'm a 22-year-old artist from a small town in East Yorkshire. I’ve grown up here since I was five after immigrating from Riga, Latvia, in 2008. Can you believe that was so long ago? I currently live at home with my partner and our adorable two-year-old chocolate lab. We love her so much!! ❤️

Art has always been a passion of mine. My earliest memories of art are from my dad when we still lived in Latvia. He had an array of paintings in his loft apartment. I remember begging him for this massive painting of a woman holding an umbrella against a stunning sunset. I was ready to offer him a €2 coin (lats at the time) for it! But, shockingly, he said no! That moment taught me about the real-world value of art. No huge and beautiful painting should be sold for the same price as an espresso!

As I grew up, I invested more energy into art. I doodled in lessons, spent my afternoons drawing, and experimented with paints. Fast forward to Sixth Form, and it was all I could think about! Unfortunately, my mind often wandered to the doubts instilled in me about pursuing art. It’s often seen as a risky career path, or worse, people say art is "not a real job." What even is a "real" job anyway? Is it a job that pays a hefty salary but leaves you miserable? Or is it a job that pays less but fills your heart with joy every morning?

Everyone has their opinions on valuable careers, but I believe happiness is priceless. It should come before any soul-sucking job you endure just to get by. This has turned into a mini side-rant, but my advice is: if it gets you up and you love it, DON'T give up! Keep pursuing it, no matter how long it takes. One day, it WILL pay off. Whether it’s in a year or ten, keep going and keep trying!

My Studies: The Path to Creativity

I studied Graphic Design at university because it was the closest thing to a creative career that I thought would be attainable. Truthfully, it’s just as hard to find a job in that field as it is to be an artist! So take this from me: if you’re going to study, let it be a course you truly love and are passionate about. Don’t just chase the money! I like to believe that we attract money by what we do, not the other way around. (Does that even make sense?!)

Art has always felt like my true purpose in life. I’m not a heart surgeon or a fancy solicitor (I don’t have the brains or dedication for that), but alongside my current 9-5, I can wholeheartedly dedicate my evenings to painting pieces of wall art for those who would love them just as much as I do. Or I can create prints, which are way more economical!

Embracing My Artistic Identity

So here I am now, 22 years later, hoping I’ve finally found my purpose in life. I want to share more of my artwork with not just those close to me but with the internet, the world, and the universe!!

Art is a beautiful way to express oneself. It allows me to communicate emotions and ideas that words sometimes can’t capture. Each brushstroke is a part of my journey, and I hope to inspire others to find their own paths in creativity.

The Importance of Passion in Art

When you pursue art, it’s essential to remain passionate. Passion fuels creativity and keeps the fire alive. I often remind myself that every artist has their unique style and story. Embrace yours! Don’t be afraid to experiment and push boundaries. The beauty of art lies in its diversity.

Creating art is not just about the end product; it’s about the process. Enjoy every moment spent creating. Whether it’s a quick sketch or a detailed painting, each piece is a reflection of your growth as an artist.

Connecting with the Art Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is connecting with others who share the same passion. The art community is vast and welcoming. It’s a place where you can share ideas, collaborate, and grow together. I encourage you to reach out to fellow artists, attend workshops, and engage in discussions. You never know what inspiration might strike!

The Future of My Art Journey

As I continue this journey, I’m excited about the possibilities ahead. I dream of showcasing my work in galleries and connecting with art lovers around the globe. I want my art to resonate emotionally with others, creating a sense of connection and beauty in their lives.

If you fancy a custom work of art made by yours truly, feel free to drop me an email: nikgribuste@gmail.com.

If not, I love you anyways!! <3

Thank you so much for making it to the end! I hope my story inspires you to embrace your passions and pursue your dreams. Remember, art is not just a career; it’s a way of life!