This Painting, "Lighthouse on the Water" sold today, May 13, at Fresco Art Gallery and Cafe! This is a special piece in particular because it happens to be one of my first, and my first "favorite" painting of my own.
My art journey did not begin until I was a freshman in college, in 2019. At that time the pandemic was just ramping up, but I was also experiencing some personal struggles with my mental health. Art truly gave me a safe space to express myself with no judgement or censorship, and the use of these colors and textures represents that idea coming to life for one of the first times in a big way. It speaks on struggle, anger, and feeling lost and alone; but it also maintains the strength of the structure pictured above. This piece not only embodies the struggles I was facing at the time, but also how I conquered them; if you look closely you can see the resilience in the motion of color, thrashing against negativity from internal and external forces. It is gritty and textured and beautiful, and it reminds me of a time in my life when I had no idea what I was going to do but I would be damned if I didn't try my hardest to figure it out.
Looking at this painting is like looking at my own pain and frustration with myself and the world around me. It's like looking at the decision I made to fight even if I didn't want to, to resist the tug downward, and practice resilience in the face of chaos.
The family that walked in the cafe today was full of life and beauty, and although the family was indeed physically beautiful, the beauty that really shone through came from the inside. It started off simple enough, I explained that the art on the wall was for sale, mostly from local artists. The energy flowed in our conversation as if we were meant to be having it, speaking to these kind people brought joy to my heart even before the lovely daughter of the family informed me that she wished to buy my painting.
As if that weren't enough to make my day, no my week, the kindness did not stop there. The conversation turned to vibrational energy and vague astrological spirituality, which I have recently started to dabble. It was as if they were drawn to this little cafe I work at to deliver encouragement directly to my psyche. I was told, not for the first time, that my soul seemed of old and my energy was very positive and mature- a huge compliment coming from this group. They proceeded to tell me that I need to continue on my art journey, even if I experience doubts, to expand my style and try new things even if going out of my art-comfort-zone still makes me a little nervous. I'm so glad that my painting spoke to them, as their words truly resonated with me; I hope they somehow find this blog post to read about the impact they truly had.
I've been trying to put positive energy out in the universe to attract that positive energy back to my own life in return, and it is like my prayers were answered today. They might have thought that I was impressive because of my age or my art, but I was impressed with their character and I really appreciate the time they took out of their day to bring some positivity my way.
If I've learned anything from this simple interaction, it is that the universe will bring back to you, that which you give it. Anytime my thoughts turn negative or spiteful, I say out loud, "peace and blessings to the universe, to everyone in it," or I will repeat my little affirmation, "I am in the timeline of my highest good, my greatest abundance, my deepest desires, and my ultimate fulfillment," and "I will never forget how much power I hold." The more positive energy I consciously put out into the world, the more at peace I feel within myself, towards others, and towards the things out of my control.
The universe might be sending you signals, and you should take this as a sign to listen and pay attention. My gut feelings have led my towards art, away from toxicity-whether it be from people or place- and encourages me to open myself and my personal energy to those, like this family, who I have something to learn from or something to resonate with. If I had any doubts on my continuing art journey or the direction I might go with it in the future, they are no more. It seems that the universe has sent me a signal that I am on the right path for myself, and I will always be grateful to the beautiful family who gave me hope encouragement for aspects of my future with merely a simple conversation and projected positivity.
Peace and Blessings to All of You,
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