Embracing the Creative Inner Child

From Childhood Fantasies to Artistic Freedom

During the early days of my childhood, I developed a profound attachment to the first house I grew up in. Those were the moments when I lost myself in the vast landscapes of my imagination, immersing in my own creative world.

Indoors, I had numerous adventures, but my fondest memories draw me outdoors. The yard surrounding our house became my playground, a canvas for my vivid fantasies. The trees turned into canopies of dress-up clothes, creating a fortress of solitude where I could escape into the realm of make-believe. The concrete barrier leading to the alleyway served also as a dangerous tightrope, and in my mind, falling off meant encountering ferocious crocodiles or other daring adventures. In the winter months, I'd venture outside to knock down icicles, playing the role of a wizard concocting magical potions with each frosty shard. The basement, accessible from the outside, turned into an exciting dungeon to explore, where I hunted for hidden treasures or clues to the mysterious realms of my imagination.

This wild and untamed imagination, led me to realize later in life that my artistic expression could not be constrained by rigid rules, limitations, or ideas of realistic imitations. To truly discover myself as an artist, I had to forge my own path and venture into the uncharted territory of my soul through intuitive painting, collage and photography.

As an adult, I strive to reconnect with that fearless, open-minded version of myself from childhood—a version unharmed by the challenges of life. While I draw inspiration from various influences and admire the work of others, my true creative essence lies in those innocent childhood moments. Rediscovering this inner child unlocks authenticity and fuels boundless possibilities for growth and self-expression in the present.

Original Art by Kim Sowa - 11x14 inches - “Eternal Friendship” 2021 Original and prints for sale

As I delve deeper into my art, it becomes an ever-evolving reflection of my true self—a timeless journey of self-expression and a heartfelt tribute to the essence of the imaginative child within me.

With each stroke of the brush or click of the camera, I cherish every single moment, allowing my soul to guide me without the weight of external expectations. I've learned to let things come to life on the canvas as they are, embracing their raw beauty without judgment.

If I could offer advice to that imaginative child today, I would tell her to fully embrace her uniqueness, to see the world through her own lens, and to create fearlessly, even in the face of adversity, judgment, and self-doubt. I'd remind her that everyone experiences moments of doubt, but it's those who persevere and continue creating who truly shine. So, I forge ahead on this creative path, ever grateful for the freedom it grants me and the boundless growth it ignites within my soul.