The Evolution of My Art: A Personal Journey

Art is rarely a straight line. It grows, shifts, pauses, and begins again—often reflecting the seasons of our lives. When I look back at my creative journey, I don’t see a single style or destination. I see curiosity, experimentation, and a constant return to what feels meaningful.

A self portrait of Heather Getzlaf back in 2022.

This post is a reflection on how my art has evolved over time, shaped by experience, motherhood, creative exploration, and learning to trust my own voice.

Where I Started

Like many artists, I began by learning the rules. at ACAD (Now the Alberta university of the arts), I focused on developing technical skills—understanding composition, light, and how to use my tools effectively. At that stage, my work was about proving competence and building confidence.

I experimented with different genres and approaches, trying to understand where I fit and what resonated with me. Looking back, those early years were less about style and more about foundation. Every image, project, and mistake played a role in teaching me how to see. In my last year at ACAD my focus became more clear and I gravitated towards Boudoir and Pin-up photography. My sister and I had a small business in the style for 6 years following my graduation.

The Influence of Motherhood

Motherhood profoundly changed my relationship with art. Time became limited, priorities shifted, and my perspective softened.

My children became a source of inspiration—not just as subjects, but as reminders of imagination, wonder, and presence. Creating art alongside motherhood taught me to slow down and to value meaning over output. It pushed me toward more personal, emotionally driven work.

Finding My Creative Voice

As time went on, my focus slowly shifted. I became less interested in creating what I thought I should make and more interested in creating what felt honest.

Storytelling began to matter more than perfection. Emotion mattered more than trends. I found myself drawn toward fine art imagery—work that felt soft, nostalgic, and intentional. This was the beginning of my transition from simply creating images to creating stories.

Expanding Beyond One Medium

As my artistic confidence grew, so did my curiosity. Photography alone no longer felt like enough. I began exploring digital art, fine art editing, and eventually sewing and costume design.

Learning to sew and create garments added a new layer to my work. It allowed me to build entire worlds—from concept to final image—using fabric, texture, and movement as storytelling tools. Each new medium expanded how I thought about art and creativity.

Letting Go of Comparison

One of the most important turning points in my artistic evolution was learning to let go of comparison. Social media made it easy to measure my work against others, but doing so often pulled me away from my own voice.

Growth came when I stopped chasing validation and started listening inward. When I allowed my work to evolve naturally—without forcing it into a niche or trend—it became more authentic and fulfilling.

Where I Am Now

Today, my art feels quieter and more intentional. I value process as much as the final result. I create fewer pieces, but with more care.

My work blends fine art photography, handmade elements, and thoughtful editing to create images that feel timeless and story-driven. I no longer feel the need to explain or justify my creative choices—they simply reflect who I am in this season.

Looking Ahead

I know my art will continue to evolve. And I’ve learned to welcome that.

Creative growth doesn’t mean abandoning who you were—it means building upon it. Every phase, every shift, and every pause adds depth to the work we create.

If you’re on your own creative journey and feeling uncertain or restless, know that evolution is not failure—it’s progress.

Thank you for being here and for following along as my art continues to change, grow, and find new forms.