Through the Lens of Life: A Journey of Art and Self-Discovery

My name is Megan Hurst DeLeon, and my life's canvas has been painted with strokes of creativity, exploration, and resilience. Born in the vibrant city of Long Beach, California, I was destined to find beauty in the world around me. From the sunny beaches to the bustling streets, my surroundings fueled my passion for artistic expression from a young age.

Growing up in Long Beach was like living in a kaleidoscope of colors and cultures. Surrounded by diversity, I learned to appreciate the richness of life's tapestry. One of my earliest memories is of my mother's garden, where she nurtured a vibrant array of flowers. Together, we would spend hours tending to the blooms, and it was here that my love affair with nature began. These moments of connection with the earth would later inspire my artistic endeavors.

As I embarked on my journey into adulthood, I pursued my passion for art at the University of California. Under the guidance of esteemed professors Eleanor Anton and Faith Ringold, I delved into the world of painting. Their mentorship ignited a fire within me, pushing me to explore new techniques and styles. Yet, as I immersed myself in the world of art, I felt a longing for something more, a desire to capture life's fleeting moments in a different medium.

It was during this time that I discovered photography—a medium that spoke to my soul in ways I never imagined. Behind the lens of a camera, I found freedom, the ability to freeze time and immortalize the beauty I saw in the world. With each click of the shutter, I felt a sense of exhilaration, knowing that I was capturing moments that would last a lifetime.

As life unfolded, I found myself starting a family of my own. Balancing the joys of motherhood with my artistic pursuits, I temporarily set aside my camera to focus on nurturing my loved ones. Yet, even in the midst of this new chapter, the pull of creativity never waned. It was during this time of reflection that I realized my true calling lay not in clinical counseling, but in the world of art.

Armed with newfound clarity, I returned to my first love—photography. With renewed vigor, I immersed myself in my craft, honing my skills and pushing the boundaries of my creativity. Each photograph became a testament to my journey, a reflection of my innermost thoughts and emotions. In the act of creation, I found solace, a sense of peace that had eluded me for so long.

Today, I find myself residing in the serene coastal town of Soquel, California. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, I continue to draw inspiration from my surroundings, capturing the essence of life in all its forms. My camera has become my faithful companion, a tool through which I navigate the complexities of existence.

My life's journey has been a tapestry of experiences, woven together by the threads of art and self-discovery. From the bustling streets of Long Beach to the tranquil shores of Soquel, I have embraced each moment with an open heart and a creative spirit. As I look back on my life, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped me into the person I am today. And as I continue to journey forward, I do so with the knowledge that art will always be my guiding light, illuminating the path ahead.