How One Piece of Art Gave Me Hope For Better Days Ahead
I knew then that our life becomes how we choose to see it.
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The aim of art is not to represent the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance — Aristotle
The colors might be the first thing you see at a glance at this piece. Art should stand out.
But take a moment to look, see, think and feel.
What draws you in?
What speaks to you?
There is a story behind every artist's creation.
This piece was inspired by a conversation with my son one day while I dropped off groceries at his apartment during the lockdown.
As risky as it was, my motherly instinct kicked in, and I chose to do the grocery shopping during a raging pandemic. Safety was a high priority; I felt I would do a better job of it on the outside.
It was also my excuse to see my son and his girlfriend when socialization was limited.
I needed the connection with them more than anything.
My visits were usually short. It was necessary to exercise safety and move on.
But on one of my visits, I couldn't contain what weighed heavily on my mind. I stood by the doorway as I engaged my son in a conversation.
I expressed the hopelessness I felt in no uncertain way — The world seemed at a standstill. The smell of death permuted the air. A once busy NYC street felt like a ghost town.
The hopelessness was weighing me down.
I ensured my personal paperwork was in order the best way I could; I felt it was just a matter of time; I, too, could become a statistic.
It was like preparing him for the unexpected.
My son would later interpret my feelings by creating this masterpiece.
He wanted to give me hope for better days ahead — days when the sun would shine again and we no longer feel imprisoned by a pandemic.
We’re getting there.
Here's a brief introduction for those of you who may not have the pleasure of meeting my son.