“I almost didn’t create anything today. Everything felt heavy. My body said no. My mood said no. I was exhausted. But I picked up the brush anyway, after a few hours of rest, with no plan. Just color. Just motion. And somehow, this happened. A quiet bloom in the dark. Not bold. Not loud. Just… unfolding anyway.”
— Michelle Joy Brown
Some days, survival feels like resistance. Creation feels impossible. And yet, even on the lowest days, there’s a small pulse inside us, soft, maybe quiet that says, keep going. It doesn't have to be triumphant. It doesn't need to be radiant. It just needs to be honest.
This piece: Unfolding Anyway, acrylics, 25”×31”, was born from fatigue, from quiet sadness and exhaustion. But also from presence, just sitting here staring at my canvas, looking at my brushes and paints. From choosing to stay with the moment. And that is enough. Today’s writing is brief because I need more rest. I don’t feel like writing. But, I'll share what I painted.
A gentle assignment:
Don’t try to make something "good" today. Just make something. Scribble, tear paper, move paint around, write three honest sentences. Or simply sit with the idea that even resting can be part of the unfolding. Art begins with being.
Your Blossoming Art Friend 🌼
Michelle Joy Brown
Your financial support really does go towards helping this artist purchase supplies to continue painting and entering exhibitions as well as selling art. I'm a full-time artist now, all monies I earn supports my continued journey.
Thank you for your support and love. 🥰🥰
© 2025 Michelle Joy Brown. All rights reserved.
No part of this content or artworks, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the author.