Ebb And Flow

Persisting - Mixed Media Lithograph

Persisting and Channeling Light both mixed media lithographs, spawned from the current socio-political dialectic, combining simultaneously with seeds of hope and positivity, where love, light, wisdom, knowledge and the rest of goodness prevails.

Channeling Light - Mixed Media Lithograph

Accepting change is not always easy but often when you manage to do it, it is quite refreshing and usually a growth experience.
 
I am all about opening my mind to broaden perspectives, learn new things, and see things from different lenses. However, when the changes are major, numerous, all at one time, and you just do not resonate at any level with any of them, I take a long pause. Living in a time of never ending flux of uncertainty is rattling me in a way I think I’ve never experienced before.
 
When I was growing-up, time lasted forever, fresh water, fresh air, freedom, nature, animals, etc where all a given. In my view, they were permanent “staples” of the earth that would always be abundant and in endless supplies.  I mean I just couldn’t imagine our planet without them. I never took things for granted though. From a young age, I was quite aware of poverty and hunger and understood clearly that I was privileged. I couldn’t fully comprehend how some had so much and some had so little, but it was evident that those who lived on the fringes struggled to have those staples. Nonetheless, the staples existed abundantly.
 
As time has passed, we know the amount of people living on earth has swelled to a point of no return, so the exploitation of earth and all it has to offer, has multiplied exponentially.  In my middle age, as much as I retreat from letting any sense of doom and cynisism creep into my life, it continues to linger.
 
For the first time ever, I do feel threatened. Mind you, I am quite familiar with the sense of threat. I have been robbed, chased by scary people, experienced natural disasters, economic downfalls, life threatening car accidents and health issues and so on, yet this ominous sensation I am experiencing is on a different level. My defensive instincts seem to be in full force.   
 
I am not a violent person. I won’t rise in arms. I don’t like the spotlight and my usual position in life is very positive and neutral on all fronts; I don’t take sides and really try looking at things objectively no matter who or what the circumstance. So, this feeling is quite new to me. It is revealing, quite firmly, where I draw the line when my values, fresh air, fresh water, food and freedom are vulnerable. I suppose this is a good thing to really know. Asserting my point of view so publicly is just something I have refrained from. I know I express things through my art and have asserted my views but they have always remained behind the artwork, never at the forefront. 
 
As you all know, for some years now, people around the world and now, very much so, again in the U.S., continue to unite for important causes. Some people get vocal, some march, some pray, some tap into divine energy, some work behind the scenes, some get physical, some preach,  and so on. Love, light, wisdom and knowledge, among other things, have perhaps, as a culture, been swept under the rug a bit, but now have the opportunity to come out and thrive.

“Persisting” and “Channeling Light” both mixed media lithographs, spawned from the current socio-political dialectic, combining simultaneously with seeds of hope and positivity, where love, light, wisdom, knowledge and the rest of goodness prevails.

One can do nothing, which according to native beliefs is still doing something; it means we are passively accepting and agreeing with the decision to do nothing or one can take action, trusting one's core values and beliefs. We have a choice.
 
My art will continue to be the vehicle of my expression and I am working hard to continue trusting that there is light at the end of this dark tunnel. If anything, the current ‘climate” of world issues is bringing so many people together and that is a very good thing. Perhaps the darkness will implode and all will be on a better path in the end.
 
How are you feeling and approaching things considering our current state of affairs?

Thanks for reading and now back to my studio!