I’ve never shared too much of my personal life here on my art page, but honestly, so much of what I’ve been able to achieve with my art is because of the amazing support of my family who always encourage me to keep chasing my dreams~
There was one person who always loved everything I did. She would hang my drawings on the wall, even wear them on her clothes. She’d show them off to everyone she met (much to my embarrassment of being put in the spotlight…) That person is my Mum.
My Mum suffered from a condition called MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and since the day I was born, she gradually lost more and more mobility. I’d say it was tough growing up with that but my Mum was always so positive and content just being with family that it just became a small part of everyday life. Even though she needed special care, she was never a burden and while I helped care for her, I was able to slowly build up Tengu Arts to where it is today. I was happy that I was able to wake up and be with everything and everyone I love every single day.
To my absolute shock, my Mum suddenly passed away at the start of April.
It’s an understatement to say life is going to be so hard without her. I’ve lost my role model, friend, hero, Mum.
As well as this devastating loss, I'm now faced with the likelihood that I may not be able to continue with Tengu Arts as I have up till now. I really don’t want to give up what I’ve started. Looking back at all the projects I've been a part of, all the amazing people I’ve got to work with, I want to hold onto that for as long as I can. I know my Mum would want that too.
As it happens, I was already planning on taking Tengu Arts further this year and so I had already done a lot of research into areas of interest since the end of last year. Some I had already put into action (Like doing my first Artist Alley). However, with the nature of the commission work I do, nothing is guaranteed and so there is a huge possibility that I may need to abandon art for a job in another field. I just don't know how long I'll have to put these plans together and how successful they will be...but despite this huge unknown future, I'm going to push myself and do everything I can to keep drawing.
So while we're on the subject! If you'd like to contact me for work, you can reach me on my website (www.tenguarts.com). If you'd like to support my art, I also have a Patreon (www.patreon.com/tenguarts ) and Ko-fi (Ko-fi.com/tenguarts) as well as my handles across social media (Instagram, ArtStation, Facebook, Deviant, Art)
Losing my Mum is hard enough to deal with but now, more than ever I need to have Tengu Arts succeed. I feel like my entire future as a freelance artist is at stake and I know there's one thing my Mum would want is for me to continue and to not give up on my dream.
I hope I can make her proud~
