We know we don't know. You start telling your story, and it takes you over. Memories flood in, and you share them. Along the way, you forget that there are other people involved. You have to have passion.
Technique alone is just an embroidered pot holder.
The power of the symbol comes from the nature of perception and thought. The train whistle makes us see the train, the footstep in the hall reminds us of the family relative. The oranges bring back the breakfast table. A smile can defeat a frown. Never too late.