Unleash Your Dragon Energy: Using Symbolism in Art to Tell Your Story

Have you ever stared at a blank canvas and thought, “What on earth do I paint?” Don’t worry - you’re not alone! Finding inspiration can feel like hunting for buried treasure. The secret? It’s already within you. Uncover the magic of symbolism - a way to infuse your art with personal meaning and tell your story in ways that words can’t.

Let me share a little something about me. I was born in the year of the dragon and am also a Sagittarian - both fire signs. So, you could say I was destined to come out blazing! And boy, did 2024 live up to the hype! It was the year of the dragon, and I definitely found fire in my belly… though it might’ve been the HRT ha ha!.

I want to share one of my favorite paintings: Dragon Goddess. I actually uncovered her in my studio, wrapped in bubble wrap, after we moved home in 2020. Seeing her again was like reconnecting with an old friend - fierce, powerful, and unapologetically bold. She reminded me of the fiery energy I needed to channel in challenging times, and she’s now once more a symbol of strength and creativity for me.

Symbolism is a way to weave your story, beliefs, or dreams into your art. Maybe you’re drawn to a particular animal, shape, or colour. Dragons, for example, can symbolise strength and transformation. A tree might stand for growth or resilience. The sun? Renewal and hope. It’s all about finding what resonates with you.

And here’s the thing - 2025 is calling for strong dragon energy from all of us. The world needs women who can rise up, breathe fire into their dreams, and create fearlessly. What symbols speak to your story? Maybe it’s a phoenix rising from the ashes, a bold splash of colour to defy the grey, or even a quiet moon representing calm and intuition.

This week, I challenge you to pick one symbol that feels meaningful and use it as inspiration for your next piece. Don’t overthink it- just let your intuition guide you. Art isn’t about perfection; it’s about expression and creative confidence.

So, what’s your “dragon”? Let’s unleash it together.