As an artist, I have found joy in reiteration - repetition of words to emphasize a point, provide clarity, and reinforce messages to myself. A new level of life, an amended version, through a more balanced process of decision-making that utilizes pausing and integrates thoughts and emotions, is a focus now.
Correction
With a recent epiphany, “aha” moment, this is my new, go-to word that’s changed my perspective and direction. I had been chastising myself, ruminating, and stewing about realizing my allyship with a few people and subsequent actions have actually made my life more difficult and stressful where I’m living. In a flash of understanding and self-acceptance, what came to mind was I can’t change the past, but I can make a “correction” now, in this moment. Just like turning the light switch on or off. On for illumination of choice to begin the change. So, I simply withdrew from my engagement with them and started changing how I participate and express. As a result, I have given myself the space for clarity, and to recognize and pursue other, forward-movement opportunities in welcoming a new level of life.
Dragon
According to the Chinese zodiac, I was born in the Year of the Dragon. According to AI “it’s the only mythical creature among the 12 zodiac animals and is associated with good luck, strength, and imperial power. People born in the Year of the Dragon are believed to be charismatic, intelligent, confident, and natural-born leaders.” Hmm, interesting. Well, it’s all still playing out!
A zodiac dragon Asian friend stopped by, noticed this work, and remarked that she really liked the dragon. When painting it, I was experimenting with acrylic and texture. Through the very messy process, something resembling a dragon certainly appeared to my eye. Her confirmation was a pleasant surprise.
I’m reminded of the book, There’s No Such Thing As A Dragon by Jack Kent. Although a children’s book, it’s highly symbolic with layers of meaning and underlying messages within this story. I correlate it to the dragon of themes and emotions in my childhood reflecting powerful, perhaps unresolved aspects of my inner world and experiences.
Divorce
Jennifer Lopez has released a new song, “Wreckage of You” following her divorce. Reading about it, I immediately thought of my painting inspired by evolving through the divorce process and passage. It’s titled Ravages of a Relationship, and the words are written multi-directional which makes it rotational symmetry and rotationally invariant. The two terms are essentially synonymous, with rotational symmetry as the property of being invariant under rotation. They hold true for many of my works. Still trying to figure out a preference with this one.
Afterclap
Word of the Day 7/5/25 from Dictionary.com. “Unexpected repercussion”. From AI - “It’s a delayed reaction or repercussion, something that wasn’t anticipated when the initial event concluded”.
Five moves in six years and storing furniture and other items for thirteen years I didn’t have the bandwidth to sort through, are definite afterclaps from leaving the marriage. Finally willing to go back into heartbreak, piece by piece, I’m now letting go of what no longer serves me so that I can allow for what does. More freedom!
Color
Again, an antidote to the current state of affairs - HOA, America, and worldwide.
Turbo
What fun when a couple of art friends came over for a lesson in working with glassine, a very thin glossy and translucent paper made from wood pulp. In this rapid creation, I used permanent markers along with the squirting of acrylic ink. Turbo seemed fitting for the movement.
How Did A Sensitive Boy Become A Hardened, Cold Disconnected Man?
On Memorial Day, as I was scanning The Daily episodes, one from the previous day popped up. Normally I don’t listen to the weekend versions but this one piqued my interest - “Modern Love” - Why Boys and Men Are floundering. Therapist Terry Real was interviewed and explained why. Much of what he said corroborated my assessment from being in an unhealthy marital relationship that, unfortunately, ended in a discordant divorce. Listening to him, I felt happy to gain greater clarity.
He mentioned he worked with a couple who had seen 8 therapists and not one of them supported the woman and confronted the man. Well, that was my story too! A plethora who could not help because they could not tell truth to power under the patriarchy. He offered important information like it’s easy to say a woman suffers from depression while the men do not. But, the men are drinking. He maintains that “substance abuse, rage, affairs are fueled by depression and underneath depression is trauma.” (Similar to Dr. Gabor Mate’s rhetoric.) He added, “the consequence of a disconnected boy is a disconnected man.” Interestingly, in grappling with husband’s punitive behavior during the divorce, I created this work in 2014 using acrylic pens, oil crayon, and blue duct tape posing this primary question. My work still seems to be relevant.
Painting And Color
I find they are antidotes to counteract the mayhem in our country and current dangerous track. Invaluable whether stimulating and energy-boosting or calm and soothing.
High Octane Entanglement And Disentanglement
While going through my treacherous divorce, I created this work using permanent markers on rice paper. I repeatedly wrote the subject words so strongly that they bled onto the back side, creating a more dynamic effect. Unfortunately, there are similarities in the divorce and the state of our country now governed by sexists, racists, distorted patriarchy, corruption, injustice, and a broken legal system.
I experienced many inundated moments riddled with fear, wondering if the multi-year disentanglement would destroy me. (Surely, a corroboration of the “high-octane relationship”). Yet, in the midst, discovering my artistry fueled my passion for justice. Creating art was both medicine and an anchor. Same for my beautiful home, plethora of wellness practices, and supportive team. Victorious was I in transcending the oppression, leaving the relationship, and reclaiming freedom and autonomy. Plus, I learned I am a highly resilient, courageous being, and that courage is taking steps in spite of and with the fear. And, to be clear, I felt ungodly fear each step of the way in leaving my long-term relationship and marriage.
My hope is that the oblivious and ignorant people in this country who either abstained from voting or voted for this authoritative regime will wake up and choose disentanglement and freedom. What we will have to go through in the process remains very concerning and curious.
