Everyone’s relationship with art changes over time. Some people fall in love with it as kids, drift away as adults, and then find their way back years later. Others are late bloomers. Some never stop creating. No matter where we start, nurturing a lifelong love of art is one of the kindest things we can do for ourselves.
Art keeps us curious. It encourages exploration and experimentation at any age. You don’t “age out” of creativity—you actually grow into it. I’ve found that the older I get, the more meaningful art becomes. It’s less about skill and more about expression, connection, and joy.
A lifelong art practice—formal or informal—builds confidence. It teaches problem-solving, patience, and flexibility. It reminds us that ideas evolve, and mistakes are part of the process. There’s something grounding about knowing you can pick up a pencil or brush and create something that didn’t exist five minutes ago.
Art also helps us mark time. Sketchbooks, journals, paintings, and little doodles become a record of who we were in different moments. They tell our stories in ways that photos and words sometimes can’t.
One of my favourite parts of teaching is watching people rediscover their love of art—especially those who were told, somewhere along the way, that they “weren’t good at it.” Once that old belief fades, creativity rushes back in from all directions. It’s beautiful.
A lifelong love of art doesn’t require talent, training, or fancy supplies. It just asks for curiosity. If you’ve drifted away from art, consider this your invitation to come back. If you’re already here, keep going. Your relationship with creativity will grow with you.
Lisa Solonynko: Make Life Colourful 