Your Incredible Imagination Will Change How You See The World.

Before the Internet, YouTube, Pinterest and famous Social media Influencers, I had libraries, magazines, Encyclopedias, My MTV and of course My Imagination to find inspirations. It's so easy to get caught up in the cycle of comparison and keeping up with the fear of missing out if one doesn't buy the latest and greatest. I find myself trapped in Instagram, Facebook Groups, Online Courses comparing my work, life, art to whatever everyone else is doing. This year I decided to pause and slow down, because it was really starting to drain my own imagination and the direction where I feel I am meant to be. When I began to slowdown all the noise, hustle, comparison, unworthiness was replaced with courage, gratitude, compassion, connection and vulnerability. My eyes and imagination opened up again.

Macro Photography

Most of the time I tell people's stories through photography. I share everyone's love and capturing their lives as they were and will never be again. I realized I hide behind everyone's stories so I wouldn't have to share my own. Sharing my own story, would be sharing my vulnerability, placing a piece of myself for people to see and possibly judge. But the older I get, I have come to realize, if I choose to fade in the background and not allow the world to see me, I would be missing out and my children deserve to know me and all of me. I have never felt I fit in anywhere, always a bit lost. I am a little of everything from sporty yet artistic, poetic and dark, broken yet strong, modern with a twist of vintage a lady but also a rebel.

Self Portrait

Isn't that what art is all about? We are little messengers in a world that moves too fast and is filled with pain sent to show people a beautiful world that still exists. When we run over in the darkness of the road we are forced to look up and see the stars that surround us" -Discarded

Reflection Of Fall Leaves

Closing down all the comparison and keeping up with the latest and greatest trends. Steers me back to my true vision, where I am left with my imagination and simple tools. My camera, natural light and nature. I am far from perfection, I don't believe I will ever be perfect with my work, perfection doesn't exist. But practicing this new found mindfulness, courage, vulnerability and gratitude equals progress and progress feels really good!

Simple Nature

These are images I took in my backyard after the rain. They are broken leftover leaves from last fall. I admire how beautiful and fragile they seem even way past their prime. A faded reflection of themselves among the cold winter rain. I know there are other artists who also struggle, you are not alone.

-DawnMarie Simons