SILENCE

Silence is such an essential part of my life. It probably has a lot to do with my childhood. While I was growing up, my home was always silent, with exceptions. And those exceptions were pretty fracking annoying and exhausting. So already, as a child, I found my sacred space in silence. I loved (and still do) quiet days, and I loved quiet nights. I never understood how people could sleep with fans and white noise in the background. I guess the reason would be that they didn't grow up the way I did.
Silence helps me dive deeper and process information. It helps me cut off the stress and makes me more self-aware. I am not sure why many people find silence intimidating. I know I don't.

Like Woman Like Cat

If you would ask me two months ago why I painted a cat in one of my last paintings, I am not sure I could explain. The more I sat with this painting, the more I figured out the meaning of it. Of course, there is always empowering part of a woman in my paintings, but apart from that, I find that the surrounding objects tell more than just a woman's presence in the work itself. Let me say this. This work is all about independence. The cat in the painting symbolizes that pretty well. Like women, cats are gentle and adoring, but once offended, and they quickly become distant, even timid. Cats have excellent observation skills and know who is fun, quiet, tedious, loud, and intimidating in the "family." They'll gravitate toward the person who behaves similarly to them. And they love silence. Did you notice how they get hectic when noise surrounds them?

In January, we got a little kitten from the shelter as a long-lasting wish for my younger daughter. I never wanted a cat. But I gave in. And I am so glad I did. I know why I didn't want a cat - because I know that my personality somehow reflects cats. How strange is that? But it is so true. I know what I want, and I love being left alone; when my time is to be alone. And I love the silence. I did not love the idea of an animal being my mirror. Until Ginger came into my life.

Painting Like Woman Like Cat had been very reflective and therapeutic.

I love this saying from novelist George Eliot “Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” I love this quote because while I was painting this work, I had zero criticisms going on in my head. And that's rare for us artists.