The Art of Redemption

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." - Edgar Degas. -Kimani Trinity Campbell -I stared intensely at the canvas in front of me, the oil paint still wet and glistening in the dim light of my studio. I was lost in thought, trying to figure out what was missing from the artwork. It was a beautiful piece, depicting the city skyline at night, with the tall buildings lit up like beacons against the dark sky. Despite all the detail and care I had put into it, I could not shake the feeling that something was missing.I stood there for what felt like hours while, trying to see the painting from different angles, looking for any flaws or discrepancies. My mind was racing as I thought about all the things I had done right, and all the things I still needed to do. I had put so much of myself into this painting and was determined to make it perfect.As I stood there, I immediately realized what was missing was not just a few brush strokes or details. It was something deeper,

"You are the only one who knows yourself, your feelings, and what you need. Therefore, the opinion of others should only serve as a reference, but not as a guide." - Don Miguel Ruiz- Kimani Trinity Campbell -I was seated in my professor's office, surrounded by the mess of art supplies and completed works. The walls were cluttered with paintings, sculptures, and sketches. The room was cramped and cluttered, but it was clear that my professor loved every inch of it."Kim, I need to talk to you about your painting," my professor started, pointing at the canvas on the easel in front of us."Is something wrong with it?" I asked, feeling a knot form in my stomach."Well, it's not exactly what I was expecting," he replied, frowning. "I was hoping for something more... impactful. This painting doesn't seem to have any real emotion behind it."I sat there, feeling the weight of his words sink in. I had put so much time and effort into that painting, but it seemed to have fallen short in my

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you." - Walt Whitman-Kimani Trinity Campbell -As I was about to throw another handful of popcorn into my mouth while watching my favorite show, the show was abruptly interrupted by a breaking news alert. A female news anchor's face appeared on the screen, her expression solemn and concerned."Good evening, I'm Sarah Lee and I have some breaking news for our viewers. A new casino in Clyde, Marion, has been the target of gang violence. According to eyewitnesses, the bar was burnt down by members of a notorious gang in the city. The police are investigating the incident and are warning the public to stay away from the area."My hand froze mid-air, popcorn spilling out of my grasp and onto the floor. The reality of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks. I lived just a few blocks away from the casino and the thought of gang violence so close to home was frightening. I couldn't help but wonder if this was just t

"Creativity takes courage." - Henri Matisse-Kimani Trinity Campbell -The brushstroke on my skin was gentle and soft, like a caress from an old friend. Bella expertly blended and contoured, transforming my face into a work of art."So, Kimi boo," she said, her voice cheerful and warm, "are you excited about the art exhibition tonight?"I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. "I'm nervous," I admitted, looking at myself in the mirror. "There will be so many famous artists and art enthusiasts there. What if my work doesn't measure up?"Bella smiled, setting down her brush. "Don't worry, darling. Your work is amazing. The way you capture emotion in your paintings is truly unique. People will love it."I bit my lip, still not feeling entirely convinced. "But what if they don't? What if they think it's amateur or unimpressive?""Stop it, Kim," she scolded, taking my hands in hers. "You are an amazing artist, and people will see that. You're going to meet so many fascinating people