Meet Sierra Barnes

We were lucky to catch up with Sierra Barnes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sierra, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Well like many of you may or may not have read before I created my first painting “Complicated” at the age of five after I was diagnosed with Craniopharyngioma (Brain Tumor) and undergone brain surgery. That began my love for art. I believe that our purpose is an inner calling something that brings you true joy and that’s what art is for me. It brings me joy to create art and do what I love. One of my main goals as an artist is to help and inspire others. I believe that part of my purpose is helping and inspiring others with my art and poetry and also that everything that we go through isn’t just for our growth but to help and inspire others and for their growth as well.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I created abstract and abstract figurative art. I create most of my art intuitively and just go with what I feel. The mediums I work with are acrylic, watercolor, and ink. I also incorporate healing crystal powders into my art such as rose quartz and amethyst. With each piece I create I write an original poem handwritten by me on the back. The poem serves as a medium to convey my thoughts and emotions about the artwork, allowing for a deeper expression of my interpretation and connection to the piece. Aside from being an artist I also have a blog/Instagram Officially Thriving where I love sharing other things I’m passionate about such as fashion, lifestyle, and beauty. wellness, and spirituality. I highly recommend following me on social media as I have some exciting things I will be sharing soon!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One of them would have to be mindset and positive thinking. I truly believe that what you think you become. If you speak and think positively. Positive things will happen. Trust me it’s easier said than done most days. I know we all have bad days. It’s part of our human experience. But I try and be as positive as I can and I think of what most people would call bad days as character-building days. When I’m having one of those days or having negative thoughts. I try and redirect myself and say positive affirmations. Meditation and gratitude journaling also help me stay positive. So, my advice to someone who is struggling with staying positive and positive thinking is to try meditation, gratitude journaling, positive affirmations, and getting out in nature. These have helped me so much and I incorporate them into my routine daily. They also have helped me with the things I’ve listed below.

The second thing is staying true to myself. Most of my life I’ve been judged by what people see on the outside and also as an artist and my style and choice of art. I’ve had many negative comments throughout my life. If I would have listened to those negative words and people who have judged me. I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would say stay true to yourself, live, and speak your truth. Those who you are meant to connect with will accept and resonate with who you are and what you are doing. Don’t change who you are or your style as an artist to please others.

The third thing is I’ve kept going even when it’s been really difficult. When I didn’t feel seen or heard as an artist. When I felt anxiety and depression, and when I wasn’t receiving sales. I’ve kept going and kept creating. So, please if you are an artist, creator, and just anyone reading this keep going and never give up. No matter how bad it may seem there’s always light after the dark.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing they’ve done is be there for me and support me as a person and an artist. I know most artists and creators don’t have the support that I’ve had and I feel so grateful to say that my Dad was one of my best friends and number one supporters. I know even though he isn’t here physically he continues to support me and is proud of what I’ve accomplished so far. My mom is also my best friend and my number one supporter. I am so beyond grateful for both of them and all of their love and support.

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