Today we’d like to introduce you to Estee Marie.
Hi Estee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The arts has been a major part of my story. I spent most of my younger years trapped inside my head until I took creative writing. At that point, I discovered a way to express some of what was locked up on the inside of me. I took to blogging to share my poems as I got older. My a-ha moment came when I received a comment on one of my poems that basically said my words were what they were feeling but couldn’t articulate. That’s when I realized my art was bigger than making myself feel better. I always had a desire to be a positive light in the world, my creative expression is a vehicle for me to achieve this goal.
Performing my poetry actually happened by accident – I was not a confident public speaker and had never read my poems out loud before. There was an event that was lacking performances and I was asked to read one of my poems and my initial answer was no, but I’m glad that I changed my mind because that sent me on this beautiful journey I’ve been traveling. Since I’ve been able to share the stage with some AMAZING poets and had the opportunity to co-host a faith-based spoken word television show put on by Glasshouse Productions.
I put together my first collection of poems, “These Dry Bones” which is a poetic look into my transition into womanhood. It’s a vulnerable work that I hope inspires others to pursue the life they truly desire. I have been on this path of expression and discovery that has me wanting to use all my abilities to the max. I want to die empty – not full of unexplored ideas, potential.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of my biggest struggles has been overcoming myself. As a survivor of childhood trauma, I spent a great deal of time and energy in my head, second-guessing myself and my abilities. Self-Sabotage is probably one of the biggest dream snatchers amongst creatives or individuals from all walks of life. Building confidence has been essential. I listen to a lot of personal development videos to get my mind right, and I spend time in prayer.
I don’t think the road will ever be smooth, everyone sees the end result of “success” stories and social media creates this illusion of things happening with ease, but everything comes with work and effort. The type of work and effort necessary will change at various levels of the journey, but there’s always effort to be put in.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a multidisciplinary creative and educator. I’ve been blessed with many abilities and my desire is to use them all. I write poetry, I paint, and do paint parties. My goal is to help others unlock their creative expression and find that inner voice they’ve been unable to release. I know how frustrating it can be to feel trapped inside yourself and the arts is a way to release that whether it gets shared with others or just for self.
I am a certified Arts Integration Specialist and truly believe that arts in education will help with many of the mental health issues our youth are facing. I am a firm believer that arts saved my life in 8th grade and am blessed to have used something that I love to touch the lives of students over the last ten or so years.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’d say one of the most important lessons I’ve learned along this journey is to do it afraid. For many people limiting beliefs and negative self-talk come natural – I know that’s the case for me. There’s never going to be the perfect time because if you look for it, you can always find something bad or negative, but going forward is the first step to getting to whatever it is you want in life. You definitely won’t get to what you want staying in the same place because what you’re after isn’t there – so do it afraid and make adjustments along the way.
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@edotexpression.com
- Website: www.edotexpression.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ed0tmarie
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ed0tmarie
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/ed0tmarie
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/ed0tmarie
Image Credits
The photo of me with the skeleton face paint and the headshot was taken by Ashley Byrd (@ansbyrd of @a.n.s.photography) The photo of the paint party set up was taken by Tabitha Key (@tabsthephotographer)
