For someone who was born and raised in the Tropics, the cold seasons always have a way of putting a damper on my everyday life. I didn’t grow up in a four seasons climate. As a result, although my body has acclimatized some, I still look forward to the warmer seasons with anticipation. Undoubtedly, I’ve found myself giving expression to my feelings about the weather in my art. Years ago, I created a piece of work that I titled, “Autumn is Faraway.” This year, I’ve created another seasons-related piece.
After the end of my last solo show in winter, I struggled through the ensuing winter months to get back to creating full steam at the level I was used to. Part of it was from the climatic nature of having a solo show and then when it’s all over, that feeling of, “now what’s next?” Getting back into the swing of everyday studio practice is challenging after a heightened period of frantic activity putting together a show. Additionally, the cold weather didn’t help my mood. I know I’m not alone here. After all, that’s why the term “winter blues” exists.
So, I was very happy when the weather started warming up and Spring started coming around. I started a piece of new work at that time. It’s unbelievable the effect the seasons can have on one’s mood. It’s almost comical to think that your mood can be sunny when the weather is sunny and gloomy when the weather is. But it’s exactly what happens to many people including myself. And unsurprisingly, there’s research to back up the fact that the weather affects our moods.
Anyway, I created this new piece of work to spring out of the winter blues with joy, and to add a spring in my step as I inched towards summer. I called it “A Spring in my Step”. It’s a continuous action and state of mind towards joy.
I’m happy about how it turned out. It’s so joyful. It expresses more than words can, how I feel when the warmer seasons come around. The cyclical nature of life, of how we feel, the seasonal changes we experience, will always be a part of us.
Here, I present to you, A Spring in My Step. It’ll fit well in my Joy of Living series.
Warmly,
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