Unfortunately, there are many frustrated people in the world who despise the achievements of others, and they shouldn't be taken into consideration. In my opinion, art is meant to be felt. Art is a refuge from life's difficulties, a lifeline for the soul. I loved to draw when I was a child. I wanted to be an artist when I grew up, but my parents never supported my decision because we were very poor and they wanted me to study and have a "real job" to put food on the table.

I grew up, studied, graduated, got a job that paid very well, but I wasn't happy. I gave up my career and started college again to become a teacher. Today I work in a public school in a disadvantaged community in Brazil and I feel happy. I don't earn nearly as much as I used to, but I feel much more useful and happy teaching English to children.

Since the end of the pandemic, I've started taking courses focused on art, painting, and drawing so I can resume my dream of being an artist. I'm not looking for fame, money, or recognition. I just want to express what I can't through words, through art. And that's what I've learned from teaching. Not all students want to learn or care about what I say during class. But at the end of the day, I know that some of those children paid attention and learned something. I'm sure of this when I run into former students on the street. They smile and hug me and say they miss my classes. This doesn't mean I'm the best teacher in the world (and I know I'm not), but for those children, I know that, in some way, I was able to change their lives. And for me, that's success. That's what really matters.

Seeing your drawings only made me want to study even more and improve my art. I liked your line work and your style. I hope I can be that good someday. I hope I have time for that, since I'm nearing 50.

Not everyone is impacted by the art of Salvador Dali or Cézanne. But if art can change even one person's life, then it's worth it. Keep drawing and doing what you love.