Balancing Heart and Mind: A Decade-Long Creative Journey in Art and Construction
It's been a decade since I resumed creating art regularly, balancing it alongside my full-time role as a project manager in industrial construction. Leaving my friends and family behind, I moved from Romania to Germany to pursue my career as a civil engineer. During this time of radical change, art became my anchor, helping me regain my rhythm.I vividly remember feeling insignificant, dwarfed by the massive construction and transportation machines, and the sheer scale of the site when I first set foot on an industrial construction site. Slightly overwhelmed, yet needing to maintain composure and perform my duties. This experience echoed the initial intimidation I felt a few years ago when confronted with a vast blank canvas—where to start, and what to tackle first? Reflecting on my approach, I've noticed a consistent strategy for both types of challenges: divide and conquer. At work, when uncertain, I ask questions until every detail is understood, allowing for informed decisions. In my creative practice, when feeling overwhelmed, I break the canvas into manageable sections and tackle each one confidently.
Ten years ago, I could not have imagined that my career would merge with a creative journey now marking its tenth anniversary. Navigating between these two distinct realms, I've learned that creativity enriches personal life and elevates professional experiences.
Looking back on the last ten years
In late July, I met with an acquaintance who writes for the local newspaper to discuss my journey of balancing creativity and engineering. We had an engaging conversation about the challenges of pursuing art while maintaining a full-time career in a technical field. Our discussion highlighted the importance of mindset and the harmonious integration of creativity and technical precision.
Balancing art and engineering presents its own set of challenges. Deadlines can be intimidating, and creativity may feel elusive, especially when bound by a schedule. However, these experiences cultivate resilience. Success often arises from artistic breakthroughs and technical solutions sparked by creativity. These challenges reinforce patience and persistence.
Mindset is key. By approaching both art and engineering with openness, the connections between these fields become apparent. Art demonstrates that embracing spontaneity can lead to unexpected beauty. Similarly, in technical project management, this mindset encourages innovative problem-solving.
Professional Growth
Implementing project management skills in my art practice was a game-changer. Time management, resource allocation, and strategic planning—developed through construction projects—found their way onto my canvas and into the resin pouring process. They helped structure the creative chaos, turning sporadic bursts of inspiration into tangible projects.
Balancing work and passion brought about unexpected benefits. It added a layer of discipline to my art, ensuring that I dedicated time to it regularly. In turn, this balance enriched my professional life. The creativity nurtured in my art seeped into my work projects, fostering innovative solutions and fresh perspectives.
The synergy between my roles as an artist and a project manager became evident. Art allowed me to approach strategy with creativity, while project management lent structure to my creative endeavors. This duality ensured that neither world overshadowed the other, but rather, they coexisted symbiotically.
Personal Growth
One of the most profound lessons from this decade-long exploration was the need to overcome perfectionism. Initially, my art and professional practice were hampered by unrealistic expectations. Over time, I learned to prioritize personal satisfaction over external validation.
Creativity has been crucial in boosting my happiness and fulfillment. Whether through painting or organizing processes, creating served as a means of self-expression and discovery. It taught me to appreciate the journey over the destination, finding joy in creation without the burden of perfection.
This newfound approach not only improved my art but also influenced my outlook on life. It reminded me that happiness is often found in the simple act of creating, of bringing something new into the world, regardless of its flaws.
Looking Ahead
As I envision the future, my goals are firmly rooted in both art and project management within a technical domain. In art, I aspire to explore new mediums and styles, pushing the limits of my creativity. Professionally, I aim to integrate creative insights, contributing to projects with a distinct perspective.
For fellow creatives and professionals, I offer this encouragement: pursue your passions without fear. The road may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. Allow creativity to infuse every aspect of your life, for it holds the power to transform and elevate.
Reflecting on this decade-long journey reveals a rich tapestry of creativity, resilience, and growth. Balancing heart and mind, passion and expectations, art and engineering has been a dance of contrasts, with each step enhancing my personal and professional evolution. I invite you to share your own stories and insights, celebrating the unique intersections of your passions and careers.
If you're interested in my artistic journey, subscribe to the Fineliner Diaries newsletter 💌, explore my portfolio, or connect with me on social media. I also invite you to read my interview with Janine, available here—thank you, Janine 💗! Let's keep the conversation going, inspiring each other to pursue creativity with passion and courage.