“The horizon leans forward,
Offering you space to place new steps of change.”
“Thus, from the war of nature, from famine and death, the most exalted object which we are capable of conceiving, namely, the production of the higher animals, directly follows. There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.”
― Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species
As the old year has ended and a new one has started, I reckoned it was time for reflection and renewal. Many of us (me included 😁) take this opportunity to look back on the past twelve months and think about what we've accomplished, and what we hope to achieve in the coming year. For me, it's a time of excitement and optimism, as it is the time I set new goals and make plans for the future. Unfortunately, for others, it can be a time of uncertainty and even fear, as we continue to grapple with the unknown and the challenges that lie ahead.
Regardless of how we feel, however, the transition from the old year to the new is a powerful reminder that time marches on and that we must always be ready to adapt and evolve. “In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”― Charles Darwin— (yes, yes, I am in my Darwinian stage -- this happens once in a while ... and I simply cannot help it 😎)
It has been a good year, 2022. Considering that 2022 started with me having major surgery after contracting acute appendicitis/peritonitis and that later in the year we (my hubs and I) contracted Covid (thank God for vaccines and Paxlovid), we managed overall to stay pretty healthy; My daughter got her Ph.D.and became an Assistant Professor of Industrial/Organization Psychology (no matter how many times I say this, it still feels like a mouthful to me .... 😁😁😁); We survived Hurricane Ian without too much damage, as well as the many summer rain storms and extreme heat.
This past year has allowed me to truly immerse myself in my art and to learn a lot about the Great Masters and their art, the technical aspects of painting, and the creative side of it as well. I have read countless books and practiced much, spending countless hours experimenting with different techniques and styles every chance I’d get.
While gaining a deeper understanding of my strengths and weaknesses as an artist, I've pushed myself out of my comfort zone. Putting in the hard work, made me feel more confident and capable than ever before. I want to take everything I've learned and use it to create my best work yet.
This year, I am determined to make it my year of success. I have set specific goals for myself and have a clear plan on how to achieve them. I've developed a deeper appreciation and passion for my art and I am more excited than ever to share my art with the world knowing that with my newfound knowledge and determination, I will be able to reach new heights and find my little spot in the great big art world.
I’d like to end this post by hoping that we are able to make the most of this transition from the old year to the new and wishing that we can commit to making a positive impact in the world. I am certain that together, we can work towards a brighter future, that is inclusive, sustainable, and more equitable for all. It is by encouraging active and responsible citizenship that the reality of a better world will become reality. As the new year is a time for new beginnings, let’s remind ourselves that we can create change.
As said ― T.S. Eliot “For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice.”
Until next time peoples of the page; Be kind, be helpful, be safe, and most of all be healthy. Namaste!
Artistic Expression Quotes Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/artistic-expressions Quote from the author: ALL IMAGES shown in this column are courtesy of NLew/Reflectionsandstuff. All artwork of NLew is ©NLew. All other images belong to the respective artists and/or the galleries/museums that own them and are used here under the creative commons license for instructional purposes/non-commercial use without modifications of which the sole purpose is the sharing of art only. (In this case Wikimedia Art)Please note that if you want to copy/use any material/photo from this website you may need the permission of the owner/s. Please respect this and do not misuse them. Again, respect Artists' copyrights, please. Never forget to mention the source. As always, I am thankful for your patronage.
