We all reach those moments in our lives when we sit back and reflect on where we are and what we have endured to reach that point. For so many people, we have endured trials and tribulations that can make it hard to reflect; yet, for someone like Samantha Messias, who has survived the most terrible scenarios that can happen to a person, looking back on where she was and where she is now is a moment of power.
A Traumatic Early Childhood
Samantha was removed from her parents by age 5 due to alcoholism, abuse, sexual assault, and neglect. Adopted by a pair of loving parents, Samantha used their strength to process her resulting depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts as she matured into her teen years. By age 20, both of her biological parents had died – but, that wasn’t it yet for Samantha. By 22, cancer took both of her adopted parents as well, leaving her alone in the cruel world that had taken so much from her.
Reflecting back today on those dark, dark moments that made Messias question everything in her life, she wants to share what she would tell her 21-year-old self.
Today, Messias is known for her hyper-realistic pencil drawings that dive into such fine detail that they almost resemble photographs. Adding something new to every piece that she creates, Messias has created a style all her own, earning her international attention for her work. But, that style isn’t something that developed overnight – or even on purpose. It began when she was just 5 years-old as a way to escape her reality.
The Constant: Drawing
By age 21, processing all of the hurt and anger in her heart, Messias was still drawing. She never stopped. And it has paid off, because the quality to detail and appreciation for her art today is second-to-none.
“I would sit down with my 21-year-old self, look at her, and say: hang in there,” said Messias. “Amazingly, through all of the hardship, drawing, which was my one constant, has become the very thing I do for a living today. All of the time I spent trying to figure out what I should do to be happy could be boiled down to one thing: drawing. I’d tell myself to embrace that and allow it to consume me.”
Messias’ childhood has been the catalyst in creating highly detailed art works that are completely original to her style. She has been able to share her journey with the world through her art, inspiring her to show other individuals in her shoes that they, too, can find that cathartic outlet that makes them feel whole again.
“One day, I hope to create a safe space for survivors of childhood abuse to come and use art for therapy,” concluded Messias. “They need a process to release, express, and channel emotion onto paper or canvas as I did. It will help them feel connected with the universe around us, and more importantly, to not feel so alone. You are not alone.”