Have you ever had a dream that seemed so distant, so unattainable, that you almost gave up on it? I certainly have. For ten long years, I held onto a vision of having my own studio space in downtown Bangor, Maine. It felt like an impossible dream at times, but against all odds, it finally became a reality.

As I sit in my brand new studio, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of downtown life, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that brought me here. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, moments of doubt, and ultimately, moments of triumph.

It all started a decade ago, when I was just starting out as a budding artist. I remember walking through the streets of Bangor, admiring the quaint storefronts and vibrant energy of the downtown area. It was then that I first dared to dream of having my own space here, a place where I could create, collaborate, and connect with fellow artists and enthusiasts.

But as the years passed, life threw its fair share of challenges my way. Financial struggles, self-doubt, and the pressures of everyday life threatened to derail my dreams. There were moments when I wondered if I was fooling myself, if I should just give up and settle for something less.

Yet, deep down, I knew that I couldn’t let go of my dream so easily. It was a part of who I was, a driving force that kept me going even when the odds seemed stacked against me. So I kept pushing forward, taking small steps towards my goal whenever I could.

And then, one day, everything fell into place. Through a stroke of luck and a lot of hard work, I stumbled upon the perfect space for my studio right in the heart of downtown Bangor. It was as if the universe had conspired to make my dream a reality.

Moving into my new studio was a whirlwind of emotions. There was excitement, of course, but also a sense of disbelief that after so many years of dreaming and hoping, it was finally happening. As I unpacked my belongings and set up my workspace, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for every twist and turn that had led me to this moment.

Now, as I look around my studio, I see more than just four walls and a roof. I see the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and unwavering belief in myself. I see a space where creativity can thrive, where dreams can take shape and become reality.

But my journey doesn’t end here. In many ways, it’s only just beginning. I look forward to filling these walls with art that speaks to the soul, to welcoming fellow artists and creatives into my space, and to continuing to chase new dreams and aspirations.

So to anyone out there who may be struggling to hold onto their own dreams, I say this: don’t give up. No matter how impossible it may seem, no dream is ever truly out of reach. Keep believing in yourself, keep pushing forward, and who knows? Ten years from now, you may find yourself living out your own dream come true, just like I am today in downtown Bangor, Maine.

Enjoy some of the first photo sessions I’ve had this week!