As I stepped away from science and toward becoming a landscape artist, I began questioning whether painting what already exists could ever be enough. Through connections of trees, fields, and people I loved, this essay reflects on authenticity, preservation, and the human act of noticing what we might otherwise lose.

After leaving my career in chemistry to become a professional artist, I was surprised when the old doubts returned. This post reflects on impostor syndrome, comparison culture, and how choosing healthier environments helped me protect creativity and rebuild confidence.