GENE Jimenez

In the last decade plus, sound baths have moved from obscure corners of the wellness community into mainstream culture. Yoga studios, meditation centers, festivals, even luxury hotels now advertise evenings filled with crystal bowls, gongs, and chimes under candlelight or beneath open skies. These experiences are often framed as portals to relaxation and healing, and for many people, the promise alone is enough to purchase a ticket.

In a previous Being an Artist article here at Awakened Magazine, I talked about the human superpower of creativity—the ability to bring things into existence that weren’t there before. And just like that, a burly man from Krypton, our superpowers often come with a weakness—a kind of kryptonite. Let me explain.

When I graduated from college, my diploma proudly stated: Fine Art and Graphic Design. That was no accident. Ever since I was a child, I knew I was going to be a painter. A fine art painter. Somehow, I imagined myself showing work in galleries and exhibitions—none of which I had ever visited, let alone participated in, up until graduation. Still, I knew that was my place. That was my destiny.

My wife and I travel a lot. A couple of years ago, we were boarding a plane, walking down the jet bridge, when I turned to her and said, “You know planes are basically magic, right?”
She gave me that familiar look—half confused, half bracing herself for whatever absurd punchline I was about to deliver.

As a multifaceted artist and creative spirit, I thrive at the intersection of art and healing. As a traditional painter, I express my vision through vibrant acrylic paintings, illustrations and photography, while also sharing my passion for creativity as a teacher. Beyond common arts, I find joy in producing my own superhero comic books, where I weave narratives of minority and indigenous empowerment and resilience that resonate with both children and adults alike.

As I write this, I recognize that this coming Sunday marks Super Bowl LIX, taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the Kansas City Chiefs will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles. My preferred team, the Washington Commanders (formerly known as the ‘Redskins’), was eliminated by Philadelphia in the NFC Championship game a couple of weeks ago. My name is Gene Jimenez, and I was born and raised in Orange County, California. For the past 24 years, I have been on a transformative journey. In the past, I would mention this journey with a sense of hesitation, as if it were something to be ashamed of, akin to admitting a personal failing or making an unconventional choice. However, in light of the current state of our nation—led by a former real estate mogul, reality TV personality and convicted felon—alongside the influence of the wealthiest individuals subverting our government, I find pride in declaring my life’s ongoing and wondrous journey. It feels appropriate to stand in solidarity with the potential of humanity itself.

After more than thirty years as a professional designer, artist, and creator, I have come to realize the significance of four fundamental tools that greatly aid in navigating the artistic and creative process. In my view, creativity is an active pursuit—a means of expressing an elusive essence of oneself, an unspoken manifestation for others to interpret. Without being open to pondering the ‘why,’ ‘what,’ and ‘who’ of your being, how can you authentically communicate your artistic vision in a way that is true for you?

If I create a painting in a forest and nobody ever sees it, or write a song that nobody ever hears, or compose a story that remains unread… is it still considered ‘art’? This question likely prompts one of the most subjective discussions within the realm of creativity. What truly defines ‘art’? In this article, I will share my personal perspective on the matter, emphasizing that this is solely my opinion. I cannot claim it to be absolute truth, but it holds significance for me. As a creator who brings ideas to life from my imagination, I believe that we eventually must engage with our own truths. By its very nature, doing so requires courage and creativity, which contributes to our uniqueness.

In the vibrant world of art and creativity, where the brushstroke dances against the canvas and lyrics resonate with untold stories, there lurks an all-too-familiar adversary: the fear and shame of failure. For many artists (and people in general), this fear isn’t just a nagging thought; it’s a powerful force that drives their creative lives. It’s the voice that whispers, “What if you miss the mark?” or “What if this piece flops?”

After more than thirty years as a professional designer, artist, and creator, I have come to realize the significance of four fundamental tools that greatly aid in navigating the artistic and creative process. In my view, creativity is an active pursuit—a means of expressing an elusive essence of oneself, an unspoken manifestation for others to interpret. Without being open to pondering the ‘why,’ ‘what,’ and ‘who’ of your being, how can you authentically communicate your artistic vision in a way that is true for you?