Finding Light in Resin: How Art Became My Path to Healing
Life has a way of taking us on journeys we never expected. Sometimes, these detours lead us to incredible discoveries—places we never imagined could hold so much beauty and meaning. For me, that journey began during one of the darkest periods of my life, and it led me to something I never expected: resin art.
Chapter 1: A Heartbreak That Changed Everything
My life shifted profoundly after my best friend, Jamila, died by suicide. It felt like the light had gone out in the world, leaving me lost, grappling with the pain and unanswered questions. The days that followed were a blur of grief, and I desperately needed something—anything—that could help me find peace. In the middle of this pain, I found myself scrolling through social media one afternoon a and stumbled across a video of an artist creating mesmerizing, glossy artwork with resin. Watching those vibrant colors swirl and blend, it was like seeing a glimpse of beauty that I thought had disappeared forever.
Chapter 2: Curiosity Becomes a Lifeline
Seeing that video was like a spark igniting a glimmer of curiosity. I found myself diving into the world of resin, watching countless tutorials, reading up on techniques, and learning from other artists. Almost failing art in high school, I'd never considered myself particularly talented, but this was different. This was a chance to create something new—to build instead of break down. I bought my first resin kit, feeling nervous yet hopeful, ready to try.
Chapter 3: First Creations and Awkward Beginnings
The first time I mixed resin, my hands shook a little. I didn’t know if I’d be any good, and a voice in my head doubted whether I even had the talent for it. But I kept going. I decided to create a small ashtray with embedded lights—not your usual choice, I know, but it was my little act of defiance. As I poured the resin, I felt a glimmer of joy I hadn’t felt in a long time. Creating that simple piece was like breathing again after being underwater for too long.
Chapter 4: The Joy and Healing of Creation
Working with resin became more than a hobby; it became a way for me to heal. The colors and textures of the resin, the way it moved and transformed, felt deeply therapeutic. I would lose track of time as I created, finding a sense of peace and calm in the process. Every pour, every swirl of pigment felt like a tiny act of rebuilding, a small step toward healing.
Chapter 5: Finding Community
As I continued experimenting, I found a community of resin artists and creators who welcomed me with open arms. Their encouragement, advice, and support meant more than they could know. For the first time in a while, I felt connected—not only to the art but to others who understood the solace it could bring. The community I found helped me feel like I wasn’t alone, and their support kept me motivated to keep creating.
Chapter 6: Growing as an Artist and a Person
Over time, I explored new techniques, incorporated different materials, and began to develop a style all my own. I moved from simple abstract designs to more intricate pieces and began creating resin jewelry and decor. Every new piece helped me see that my hands could create something beautiful. I was growing not just as an artist but as a person, finding new resilience within myself.
Chapter 7: The Power of Transformation
Resin art has transformed me in ways I never expected. It’s taught me patience, acceptance, and that beauty can emerge from even the most difficult circumstances. It’s given me a purpose, a way to honor Jamila's memory by channeling my grief into something meaningful. Resin art became more than a creative outlet; it became a testament to the healing power of art, a reminder that life, even with its pain, can still hold moments of unexpected beauty.
Conclusion
I share this story with the hope that it might inspire you to explore new paths, to find a way to heal through whatever pain life may bring. Resin art gave me back a piece of myself that I thought I’d lost, and it showed me that the journey to healing can be filled with creativity, discovery, and light—even after darkness. So, if there’s a passion you’ve been curious about, I encourage you to take that leap. You never know where it might lead. Embrace the journey, savor the process, and let your creativity guide you forward.