Finding Your Purpose

I was always the girl who was off in her own world drawing. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I had a longing for something more "fantastical."

But just the act of illustrating wasn't enough. I wanted to bring my creativity off of the paper.

I've been in love with fairy tales since I was a child. I was fascinated by a world where art met reality, and all abstract ideas were possible. There is nothing more beautiful than fantasy.  Mermaids embodied everything I admired and to become one was a dream I always had. Now, I'm both a professional mermaid performer and full time artist selling prints and commissions in my online art shop. Even my younger sister, Enid has become a great artist and wonderful business partner as well. 

Art is story telling and my goal is to share a fairytale.

I'm the kind of artist who goes where the inspiration calls, no limitations. It's difficult to limit myself to one category of art. I'm an artist of many trades! I've painted, designed jewelry, sewn axolotl art dolls, and even decorated cakes! I also have a passion for photography and cosplay. My most enjoyable work is swimming or flying by birthday parties and corporate events. Yes, I perform as a fairy too! Seeing the surprise in a young ones eyes as they witness a real life mermaid, nothing can compare to it. It is a memory to treasure forever,

Despite having so many one of a kind endeavors, I could never seem to truly define my purpose. It seems as though my purpose changes with life's many seasons. Life is unpredictable. I believe that the journey of finding our purpose never truly ends. It's easy to become distracted with the "destination" and to lose appreciation for the journey. Having faith in God's plan and finding gratitude in the present can bring one much peace. The idea of perfectionism is a crutch for many creatives.

 An artist should hope to find contentment not just on the canvas, but also in life. Some of the most magnificent works of art are far from perfect. Perhaps we should look at life, not as a hyper realistic and flawless painting, but as a splotchy, messy, and whimsical creation that could only be made without prediction or control.

Although, I may never know for certain what my purpose may be, being an artist has always been a means of self expression. Whether I feel joyful or stressed, there is a creative and beneficial way to release those emotions. But more importantly, I simply love sharing my art! Creating bring me so much joy. I want to reciprocate that wonderful feeling with others. If I can add just a bit more creativity to this world, then perhaps I've fulfilled my purpose as an artist.

And yes, axolotls are my favorite animal. I actually own two real ones. An axanthic axolotl named, "Drift," he's grey with spots and four gills on each side! And a leucistic, "Bunni." His gills look like rabbit ears.

Both my sister, Enid, and I have partnered up to create this dream together. Enid's more of a fairy and I'm more of a mermaid. But we're both artists! That makes us a pretty magical team!

Thank you for all of your support! Continue living a life full of art,"

- Mermaid Merlot