Some of my paintings are meant to inspire, to bring joy. Others exist for people who are hurting, or who simply want to feel calm.
I think of that second kind because of my own past. When I was at my lowest, I learned that in the end, no one comes to save me. When I had lost my inner refuge and leaned only on other people, my heart ran dry. And when the pain was too great, nothing I looked at sank in.
Even then, I believe it helps to have art nearby.
I rested. Days passed. As my vision slowly opened, the colors of that art finally began to reach my eyes and my heart.
Art is not a miracle cure. That is also why it has no side effects and never makes us dependent. It stays with us for a long time. And when the heart feels lighter, I am sure the art has something new to show us.
On days when you don’t want to talk to anyone, it may be a little like visiting a grave and speaking to someone who is no longer here.
If you are looking for a calming painting to live with, you can see my original works here. The Song of Shonan 3 is one of them.
