The Exhibition, The Connection, and The Slow Down

There’s something really special about seeing people connect with your work in person.

Over the past two weeks at SOL Gallery, I had the privilege of standing beside my paintings and watching people experience them in their own way. Friends, family, collectors, and strangers walked through the space, each bringing their own stories, emotions, and memories with them.

One of the most meaningful moments for me was selling a piece and getting to connect with the collector about what the artwork meant to her. Those conversations are the part people don’t always see. Art leaves my studio, but then it becomes part of someone else’s life. Hearing how a painting makes someone feel, what it reminds them of, or what it awakens in them is something I never take for granted.

What surprised me most throughout the exhibition was how many people smiled when they saw the work. So many conversations circled back to connection, friendships, memories, travel, joy, growth, and being reminded to reach out to the people they love more often.

That’s always been one of the deeper intentions behind my work.

I want people to feel something when they stand in front of it. I want them to feel hopeful, inspired, reflective, and alive. I want them to remember themselves and the people around them.

After the exhibition wrapped up, it was my birthday on Monday. And then, in a very unexpected turn of events, I sprained my ankle warming up at the gym.

Not during the workout. During the warm-up.

Life has a sense of humour sometimes.

At first, I was frustrated. There’s always so much to do, so many ideas moving around in my head, and I’m someone who loves momentum. But as the days have gone on, I’ve started to see this forced pause differently.

It feels like my body was asking me to slow down.

To rest.
To reflect.
To sit still for a moment after such an emotionally full season.

So right now, that’s what I’m doing. Resting, healing, and allowing myself to move a little slower than usual. Thankfully, I’m already on the mend.

And maybe there’s something important in that, too.

Growth is not always found in movement.
Sometimes it’s found in the pause after it.

And right now, I’m learning to honour both.