SERENITY 2013 - 2016
How I Began (Again)
This project began as a response to situations happening in my life over a five to ten year period. Things felt out of control as I took on the responsibilities of owning and operating a failing small business during this Country’s economic downturn, and, simultaneously becoming a father to twins. Although those milestones generated tremendous joy and accomplishment, there were many moments of tragedy, loss, hopelessness and despair.
I lost interest in, and abandoned, my love of painting in 2007, due to not having much time to devote to it. By 2009, I gave my full attention to my business, which would eventually create a vortex of intense anxiety. It was because I needed an escape that I broke from my hiatus and returned to my old love of painting in
Winter 2013.
Painting, especially in the watercolor medium, has always been a meditation for me since the late 1990’s, after I graduated from The Maryland Institute College of Art where I majored in Illustration. It has helped me to become more mindful and focused on the moment at hand – not something easy to do in these days of constant interruption. This was now not just a way to pass the time; it had become a therapeutic salvation.
My goal in life has always been to understand what creates stress and to help dilute it, both for others and myself. I have been very successful in this with my career in Massage Therapy and Energy Work. A few years ago, I tried to continue this endeavor by creating an art gallery, connected to my Massage Therapy practice. We exhibited artwork that aided in the relaxation response the client was already experiencing.
The purpose for the “Serenity” project is to create work that helps me contemplate and meditate. But it’s not the final product; It’s the process of creating these pieces that brings me serenity.
As 2015 began, I was in a more positive space. "Volume Two" of "Serenity" has less to do with using painting as a means of escaping. It is more of a reflection of mindfulness, observing my life and environment, and enjoying and capturing these moments.
2015 ended on a bittersweet note. I was happily displaying work at Bethel Art Space, I had many new ideas and directions for future projects and I had recently been commissioned to do pet portraits. However, tragedy struck when my mother died of a double brain aneurysm just after Christmas. I entered 2016 with a different mindset, still feeling gratitude, but realizing how truly temporary everything is. Having the time and means in which to paint and create has never been more therapeutic. "Volume Three" is a continuation of mindfulness, combined with escape and exploring new possibilities. At the end of 2016, I decided that "Volume Three" would be the final installment of the "Serenity" Series.
I felt compelled to explore a different avenue, combining video and music with my watercolor paintings in a more abstract and ethereal vein. The result is "Fluidity."
Thanks, of course, to “Seinfeld” for the inspiration for the title (for anyone who remembers). Laughter is the greatest antidote to stress.
“Serenity now…Insanity later”
I lost interest in, and abandoned, my love of painting in 2007, due to not having much time to devote to it. By 2009, I gave my full attention to my business, which would eventually create a vortex of intense anxiety. It was because I needed an escape that I broke from my hiatus and returned to my old love of painting in
Winter 2013.
Painting, especially in the watercolor medium, has always been a meditation for me since the late 1990’s, after I graduated from The Maryland Institute College of Art where I majored in Illustration. It has helped me to become more mindful and focused on the moment at hand – not something easy to do in these days of constant interruption. This was now not just a way to pass the time; it had become a therapeutic salvation.
My goal in life has always been to understand what creates stress and to help dilute it, both for others and myself. I have been very successful in this with my career in Massage Therapy and Energy Work. A few years ago, I tried to continue this endeavor by creating an art gallery, connected to my Massage Therapy practice. We exhibited artwork that aided in the relaxation response the client was already experiencing.
The purpose for the “Serenity” project is to create work that helps me contemplate and meditate. But it’s not the final product; It’s the process of creating these pieces that brings me serenity.
As 2015 began, I was in a more positive space. "Volume Two" of "Serenity" has less to do with using painting as a means of escaping. It is more of a reflection of mindfulness, observing my life and environment, and enjoying and capturing these moments.
2015 ended on a bittersweet note. I was happily displaying work at Bethel Art Space, I had many new ideas and directions for future projects and I had recently been commissioned to do pet portraits. However, tragedy struck when my mother died of a double brain aneurysm just after Christmas. I entered 2016 with a different mindset, still feeling gratitude, but realizing how truly temporary everything is. Having the time and means in which to paint and create has never been more therapeutic. "Volume Three" is a continuation of mindfulness, combined with escape and exploring new possibilities. At the end of 2016, I decided that "Volume Three" would be the final installment of the "Serenity" Series.
I felt compelled to explore a different avenue, combining video and music with my watercolor paintings in a more abstract and ethereal vein. The result is "Fluidity."
Thanks, of course, to “Seinfeld” for the inspiration for the title (for anyone who remembers). Laughter is the greatest antidote to stress.
“Serenity now…Insanity later”
