John always found it easy where others struggled. He would pick up a paintbrush and with just a few strokes and swipes, he would create magic. It always looked like a simple piece till another artist would try to recreate it, and discover that the simplicity of John’s complex art, is another art form in itself. It was clear that this was not learnt, rather he was born with it. He was already making a name for himself in his small neighborhood, with his small shop where he sold his artwork. People would come to purchase graphite portraits to adorn their homes and offices, or even to gift their loved ones. However, life can be really unpredictable and tragedy could hit suddenly; John’s mini gallery caught up in flames and all his work, perished in the flames. He was left dejected; how would he start again?

John spent the next few weeks at home, unsure of the next step to take. He had received several calls, offering condolences, and advice too. These people did not understand that this was more than a business for John. Every morning that he stepped into that shop, he had this sense of fulfilment, the satisfaction that he was doing something worthwhile with his life but now that the art shop is gone, his life’s purpose may have just perished in the flames as well. His heart is shattered and his spirit is broken, he no longer has the motivation to produce any form of art. 

However, one morning as he was sorting through some old boxes in the attic, he found a dusty box. He opened it and there was a wooden paintbrush, there was a note inside the box. He unfolded the note and he read the content of the note: “This is for you, John. Shine your light (art) to the whole world”. This paintbrush was gifted by his dad when he started painting. Suddenly, he remembered that there are still people who believe in him, who would need his art. The fire sparked in his heart again and his hands began to move, to create art.

He didn’t have a physical shop anymore so he took his craft to social media. They loved his art over there, he started doing special requests from the comment section. He started creating art pieces from his experiences in the different stages of his life. He even had collections. His growing popularity earned him some paid gigs and before long, he had made enough money to move into his own studio. 

Years passed and that small studio had become one of the most renowned art galleries in the country. John called it “The Golden Paintbrush”, as a reference to the paintbrush that revived the fire in him. He would always tell the young, aspiring artists that came to take a tour of his gallery that art is one of the most powerful concepts in the world. With a paintbrush, you can create a picture of the life you desire, and with each stroke, make that picture a reality. John turned that ugly picture of his life, into a beautiful painting.