Stepping Stones

Every artist’s path is shaped by a constellation of influences, absorbed from art, experience, and the world itself. Some arrive deliberately through study and admiration, others quietly through lived moments and observation. Together, they guide how we see and create, forming an undercurrent that deepens our work and connects it more closely to who we are.

Influence emerges from many directions: the artists and movements that teach us structure and possibility, the personal experiences that give our work emotional weight, and the cultural and social forces that challenge us to respond. Studying what came before helps us build a language of our own, while joy, loss, and everyday encounters lend authenticity. At the same time, the broader world offers endless material, urging reflection on identity, belonging, and change.

Growth depends not just on absorbing influence, but on curating it with intention. Gathering resonant ideas, experimenting with techniques, reflecting on one’s work, and engaging with others all help transform inspiration into something personal. Through this process, influence becomes a tool rather than a distraction, sharpening focus while leaving room for discovery.

As an artist evolves, so do their influences. What once defined the work may give way to new sources of meaning, keeping the practice alive and in motion. These shifting influences are not detours but threads, woven together to form an artistic identity that reflects where one has been, where one stands, and where the work is headed next.