The piece I entered, "On Butterfly Wings," is one of my most personal and favorite works. It’s part of a collage series where I took individual pieces of my previous work and transformed them into something vibrant and new. There's something powerful about taking a piece of art that once held meaning in one context and reimagining it in another. It’s a reminder of the creative process itself—constantly evolving, reshaping, and refining until it becomes something I absolutely love.
Rick Rubin, in his book The Creative Act: A Way of Being, talks about creativity as not just an act, but a way of life. He says, “The best art comes from making what you wish existed. When you start to create, you are no longer a consumer. You are a producer. You are making something that the world hasn’t seen before.” That has stuck with me through every brushstroke and every idea that makes its way onto the canvas. "On Butterfly Wings" was birthed from that exact sentiment—taking what I wished existed and creating it, letting the piece be a manifestation of both the process and the beauty of transformation.
This exhibition is a monumental milestone for me, but it’s also just the beginning. My goal is to share my art with the world, to allow others to feel seen and inspired by what I create, and most importantly, to encourage others to pursue a creative life. Living a creative life doesn’t mean everything is easy or perfect, but it means that you’re in tune with your inner world, willing to take risks, and open to wherever the journey leads. It’s about the process more than the outcome. Rubin also says, “The act of creation is about the discovery, not the final product. The most important thing is to engage in the process, and the rest will follow.” This mindset is what guides me daily.
I’ve spent so much time working behind the scenes, growing and experimenting, but this year feels different. It feels like it’s time to step forward, to share not only my art but also my creative journey. I want others to see that it's possible to chase a dream, to build a creative life, and to live authentically in that pursuit.
The process of creating art—whether it's a watercolor painting or a mixed-media collage—feels deeply personal and grounding. It’s a way to connect with the world, to make sense of experiences, and to create something that resonates beyond myself. This is the energy I want to bring into every piece I create. When you see "On Butterfly Wings,"you’re not just looking at a single artwork—you’re witnessing a culmination of moments, of challenges overcome, and of creative breakthroughs.
Being chosen for this exhibition feels like a validation of the path I’m on, but it’s also just a signpost along the way. I have so much more art I want to create and share with the world. I want to continue using my voice to inspire others to chase their own creative lives, whatever that may look like. Whether it’s through art, music, writing, or any form of expression—creativity has the power to transform.
As Rubin says, “There are no mistakes in art. When something unexpected happens, it can lead to a breakthrough. The key is to remain open, to see what wants to be born from the work.” This exhibition is just one of those breakthroughs for me, but I know there are many more to come.
This is my art. This is my voice. And this is just the beginning.
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If you'd like to view "On Butterfly Wings" or explore more of my work, you can visit my website, [Sunshower Designs](https://sunshowerdesigns.com).
Let’s keep chasing the creative life together.
~ Faith Danielle