The Emotional Journey Behind My Still Life Paintings From Programming to Painting

I didn’t start painting until I was 30. My career before that was in a completely different world—computer programming. For years, I followed a structured, logical path in technology, but painting had always been something I wanted to try. So, on my 30th birthday, I gave myself a gift: a simple oil painting set.

I wasn’t good. In fact, my first few attempts were truly terrible. But as I continued to practice, I found myself hooked, not just by the act of painting but by the deeper emotional connection it brought. It wasn’t just about learning a new skill—it became something more profound, a way to channel my inner thoughts, feelings, and focus into art.

In those early years, I painted mostly landscapes, often outdoors in freezing conditions—testing both my patience and my dedication. One especially bitter winter morning in Boston, I found myself struggling to paint a bridge in the icy cold, barely able to hold the brushes in my numb fingers. It was in that moment I realized painting had become much more than a hobby. It had become a passion, a calling, and a way to find meaning in the world around me.

After receiving formal training, I began to shift from landscapes to still life. What drew me in was the ability to craft entire worlds from the simplest objects. A cup, a vase, or a piece of fruit could be transformed into something rich with symbolism and emotion. The themes I focus on—peace, meditation, and harmony—are reflected in each object I choose and in the way I paint them. Still life offers a canvas for deeper reflection, and that’s what keeps me coming back to it, again and again.

This emotional journey—from the structured world of programming to the quiet, meditative practice of painting—has shaped my work profoundly. Each still life tells a story, not just of the objects themselves, but of my personal exploration of balance, calm, and reflection.

When you look at one of my still life paintings, I hope you see more than just an arrangement of objects. I hope you feel the journey, the moments of struggle, growth, and ultimately, the peace that each painting represents.