As a watercolour artist, I spend a lot of time in my own head mixing colors, watching pigments bleed into paper, trying to catch fleeting moments in soft washes. It's peaceful, personal work. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that no matter how solitary my process might feel, I need other people. Not just any people, like-minded ones.
Art can be a lonely pursuit, hours in the studio, the quiet struggle with self-doubt, the pressure to create something meaningful. But behind every thriving artist is often a circle of people who understand that journey. Whether you paint, sculpt, design, write, or perform, surrounding yourself with like-minded creatives can fuel your growth in ways that solitary work simply can’t.
And this isn’t just about being an artist. It’s a truth that applies to everyone.
Whether you're creative, analytical, entrepreneurial, introverted, or somewhere in between, being around people who share your core values and energy can change your life. Like-minded people don’t have to look like you, think exactly like you, or even be in the same field, they just need to get you on a deeper level.
What Like-Minded Really Means
Being like-minded isn't about being the same. It’s about being aligned on how you move through the world, how you approach growth, what you value, and what you’re working toward. These are the people who help you feel less alone in your goals, your questions, and even your struggles.
But What If Everyone Agrees All the Time?
It’s a fair question. Being like-minded doesn’t mean being identical. Healthy communities thrive on diverse opinions within a shared framework of respect and purpose. Disagreement isn’t the enemy. The key is alignment on core values, not uniformity in every idea.
Why It Matters for me as an Artist
They Speak Your Language
As an artist, there’s something powerful about talking to people who just get it, the highs of creative flow, the lows of creative block, the thrill of finishing a piece, and the vulnerability of sharing it. Like-minded people don’t just support you; they understand you.
Creative Energy Is Contagious
Being around passionate, driven creatives ignites your own spark. Their momentum fuels yours. Whether you're stuck in a rut or riding a wave of inspiration, the shared energy of an artistic community keeps your creativity alive and evolving.
Honest Feedback Without the Fluff
Constructive critique is gold, but only when it comes from people who understand the creative process. Like-minded artists can challenge you to push your boundaries while respecting your vision. They offer insight, not interference.
A Sense of Belonging
Let’s face it, being an artist in a world that often prioritizes practicality over passion can feel isolating. But when you're with people who are also choosing the creative path, you feel less like an outsider and more like part of a brave, beautiful tribe.
Collaboration and Growth
When creatives come together, magic happens. Collaborations lead to new techniques, fresh ideas, and unexpected breakthroughs. And sometimes, just talking through your ideas with someone on the same wavelength can unlock something completely new.
I find artists as a group remarkably generous. Beyond the beauty and meaning they create, they freely give their time and knowledge to others. They teach, mentor, share techniques, encourage newcomers without hesitation. This spirit of generosity stems form the heart of what it means to be an artist. At its core, art is about expression, connection and community. It's not just about recognition or money. It is about making meaning. Artists understand that creativity thrives when it is shared, not hoarded. They know the value of being guided and so they guide others, There's an openness in the artistic community, a sense that everyone has something to offer and something to learn.
My Journey Through Art and the Beauty of Difference
When I was studying art, one of the most meaningful things I discovered wasn’t just about colour theory, composition, or technique, it was the people. I found myself in a community that was open, accepting, and beautifully diverse.
Everyone created differently. Everyone thought differently. But instead of comparison, there was celebration. Differences weren’t just tolerated, they were cherished. The more unique your voice, the more space there was for you.
That kind of inclusivity left a deep mark on me. It showed me that being like-minded doesn’t mean being alike, it means sharing a commitment to openness, growth, and respect. And that lesson stays with me, both in art and in life.
Encouragement
When I first picked up a watercolour brush, I was drawn to the softness of the medium, how it invited imperfection and spontaneity. But in those early days, I often second-guessed myself. Was my work "good enough"? Did it matter?
What helped me stay the course wasn’t just the quiet joy of painting. It was the people who encouraged me to keep going. They didn’t always understand the technical aspects of watercolour but they understood me. That was more than enough.
From sharing sketchbooks over coffee, to having deep conversations about fear and self-doubt, to receiving a single message that said, “Keep going, I love seeing what you create,” those moments kept me anchored. They still do.
It's Bigger Than Art
Yes, I’m an artist. But the value of like-minded connection goes far beyond the studio. It’s about human connection, growth, and finding people who walk at a similar rhythm. I’ve had meaningful conversations not just with other artists, but with people who simply value self-discovery, and authenticity.
You don’t need people who do what you do, you need people who believe in what you’re doing, and who remind you to keep going.
Final Thoughts
No matter your path, creative, corporate, unconventional or undefined, being with like-minded people is a form of nourishment. It gives you strength when you're tired, courage when you're uncertain, and joy in moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
So, seek them out. You’ll know them when you find them. And when you do, hold them close.
Because life is too short to walk it with people who don't understand your fire.
"La beauté au naturel", original watercolour painting (white roses) on Arches hot-pressed paper, 640 gsm, framed, 35 5/8 in (w) x 28 1/8 in (h), $3500.00 now available at Carleton Place Gallery