Art Saved Me: My Journey Through Pain, Healing & Creativity
By Monika Shukla
There was a time when life felt heavier than my dreams.
Being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease changed everything for me. Hospital visits, dialysis, physical exhaustion, emotional breakdowns — suddenly life was no longer moving the way I had imagined. There were days when even hope felt distant. But somewhere between silence, pain, and healing, I found art… or maybe art found me.
What started as an escape slowly became my reason to keep going.
Every texture I create, every layer I build, every abstract form on my canvas carries a part of my journey. My paintings are not just decorative pieces; they are emotions translated into texture, movement, and energy. Through art, I discovered a space where pain could transform into something meaningful and beautiful.
As a mixed media and textured abstract artist, I am deeply inspired by themes of resilience, spirituality, transformation, and inner strength. I believe that even during the darkest phases of life, there is always a hidden light guiding us forward. That belief naturally flows into my work.
Many people ask me why my paintings contain so many layers and textures. The answer is simple — healing itself happens in layers.
Some layers represent struggle.
Some represent growth.
And some represent the silent strength we never knew we had.
My artistic process is emotional and intuitive. I do not paint to create perfection. I paint to express energy, freedom, survival, and hope. Often, the textures in my work symbolize the ups and downs of life — imperfect yet beautiful together.
Spirituality also plays an important role in my creative process. I strongly believe that there is a powerful spiritual energy around us that protects, guides, and transforms us, even when we cannot see it clearly. This feeling inspires many of my abstract compositions and gives depth to my work.
Art became more than passion for me.
It became healing.
It became strength.
It became purpose.
Today, when someone connects emotionally with my artwork, it means everything to me because I know the emotions behind it are real. My journey taught me that creativity has the power to heal not only the artist, but also the people who experience the art.
If my story inspires even one person to keep fighting, keep creating, or keep believing in themselves during difficult times, then my art has already fulfilled its purpose.
Thank you for being here and becoming part of my artistic journey.
With love,
Monika Shukla
