Since 2018 I have been exploring a series of celebratory paintings that I try to imbue with positive vibes, hopeful energy and an atmosphere of fun and happiness. This is meant to be an outlook choice - like, no matter what. There are always as many reasons to smile as there are reasons to despair. I believe this so much so that it is an important part of my work. When I was five years old I realized that some day, maybe 90 years from then, I would cease to exist. I was filled with dread, and with sadness that all this amazingness would soon end. I planned to live to surpass one hundred years, and still it seemed then, and seems now to be right around the corner. I feel that I want to slow down time, and relish each day, and each moment, and each amazing person in my life.
I try to live into the thoughts and expectations that I had then as a five year old. I try to feel, at the end of each day, that I did something that mattered, or that was a triumph, or that was inspiring, or that I learned something. I reflect on each day and appreciate something that happened - something I did that was inspiring, and of course, I have to make lists of the things that I want to accomplish otherwise I will idle the day away with work, with painting (even that can be idle) or with too much distractions, and not enough walks with friends, and good conversation. Even as an introvert - while I am perfectly happy with a cat on my lap and difficult crossword puzzle - I am energized by being with my friends and with people that I appreciate or love.
It is that spirit that I tried to embody with this painting - this feeling of appreciation and of love and of celebration - the music is just right, the pool is warm, and the martini is mixed to perfection - it is a fine Soirée - even if it is all just a vision in my head, and I am only dreaming while struggling with a crossword and a warm little cat trying to get comfortable on the lap of my linen pants that I wear everyday throughout the pandemic.