FAREWELL 2021
DETAIL OF NEW WORK:
Detail of one of the pieces which will be included in a new collection of original abstract paintings. A tentative release date of February has been set for this yet un-named collection which has been inspired by my experience of the winter storm season in Tofino, British Columbia.
On the final day of 2021, I find myself feeling reflective. In taking a pause and casting my eye back over the whole of the year, it is clear that this one will stand out against most. Not only for its abundance of high and low moments but more importantly for its dramatic swings between those points and for the distance between them. Like the waves of a stormy ocean, the highs have been oh-so-high (like the pure exhilaration of selling out a collection of paintings) and the lows oh-so-low (such as the month when my mother suddenly became sick, was diagnosed with cancer and then was gone.)
This rollercoaster year has taught me much and left me grateful for many things.
I am grateful for the many years that have passed in a relatively stable routine and the ease and contentment that provided. I have known the luxury of peace that comes from temporarily forgetting that nothing lasts forever and that all things must pass.
I am grateful for the love of friends and family that held me steady when the bottom seemed to be dropping out of my world. In the end, that’s what it really comes down to, isn’t it? Perhaps the Beatles said it best.
“And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make”
I am grateful to have found my way to a creative life and the joy it brings. There are moments when I am painting that I am so overwhelmed with happiness, tears stream silently down my face.
I am grateful for my access to nature - garden, forest, river and lake - and its ability to restore my soul with its ever-changing yet constant beauty. It is powerful mental medicine, which I hope to deepen my understanding of, and I look forward to advocating for the preservation of in the years to come.
Finally, I am grateful to all of you for your support, encouragement, and kindness. Every follow, comment and like is so appreciated.
Here’s to the coming year. May 2022 be filled with peace, love, joy and hope for us all.