The subject of this work is my very own mind and the “stuff” that floats around in it. These are MindScapes—the subtle and understated, yet, I hope, impactful creative expressions of my thoughts and feelings against the backdrop of current times. On a simpler level, I also explore the relationship between pen/ink, metal, and multiple other media.

You will notice that almost all titles are in a different language (English in parenthesis). This symbolizes the global impact of one country’s actions. We live in an interconnected world, and nothing happens in a vacuum. There is almost always intended or unintended collateral damage and loss. We are a diverse people, and we all must find a way to peacefully co-exist on this planet, or our species will self-destruct.

This installation represents the sky we all live under (mini lights), the blood of humans beings that is spilled senselessly every day (red drops), and the tears of pain and fear shed by those caught up in wars started by greed (territory, resources and money…), extreme ideology, plain disregard for human life and/or a pathological need to be superior and eradicate those believed to be inferior.

Our freedom is being systematically eroded and taken away. Our freedom is being jailed.

Sometimes my brain can’t deal with the overload of thoughts and information. Hence, it thinks in circles.

Greenland has harsh climate, it is cold, and, in the winter, lack of sunlight is a given. Resources here are very limited due to its remote location. Despite these and many other challenges, people still live and thrive there.  We humans must thrive despite all the challenges we face. We must Bloom Despite.

Peace is so fragile! My goal with this piece is to represent that fragility in a way that had nothing to do with war – a very subtle way. I was inspired to do this drawing by an image I found online. Dandelions are beautifully fragility when they reach the dry stage. They mirror the fragility of peace. The whispers of red represent the blood spilled to obtain and often maintain peace.

Sometimes I forget to come up for air. When life gets complicated by circumstances out of your control, there is only the act of letting go. Coming up (and out) for air IS under our control. Sometimes it is the ONLY thing under our control.

Living in a bubble can be healing. It can be fun, too. But spending too much time in isolation may impact us in not-so-healing ways. Isolation can lead to amplifying the reasons why we may have wanted to hide out in our bubble in the first place.  Make your time in the bubble productive and fun and know when to step out of it and face life with courage and strength.

Amid chaotic situations, we often feel the need to escape. I personally feel the need to simplify. Simpler meals, less clothes, less technology…  Simpler is almost always better, even when it is not always feasible in our modern society.

We think of a hero as someone who saves another’s life or prevents something horrible from happening, but I think we all are heroes in one way or another. Heroes also do small deeds of kindness or make someone smile. They stand up for those who cannot. They help someone to cross the street or carry the groceries. Just look in the mirror and you will see a hero.

When we get to the end of our rope, when the world is too chaotic, when you can’t deal with other people’s constant drama and your own, then you must find a way to express yourself so you can get it all out of your system. For me, two things have always been successful tools – running and creating art of any form.

The word escape is a bit of a misnomer. Ukraine is not trying to escape being assimilated, it is fighting it with all it has. Once victorious, it is like having escaped. I guess I hope that resistance is not futile in this case.

This piece is really a two-for-one. It is about meditation and its power to heal. Meditation can bring peace of mind when life is racing at a million miles, when situations are dire, when all seems complicated. Meditation can be our savior.  And this piece is also about a higher power (in this case, Buddha) contemplating the mess humans have made of this planet and what our future might hold.

There are many so-called “leaders” holding the world hostage by waging war, by creating terror, by systematically dismantling the very foundation of democracy, by threatening nuclear incidents and on and on it goes. The world cannot relax or be complacent. We must free the world from these tyrannical tentacles.

For me, the ocean is where I shed all the armors I wear to face daily life. Some armors are necessary and some are simply precautionary. When my body is surrounded by the salty water, I feel lighter, more myself and rejuvenated. The sound of the constant waves, whether large or barely there, emit healing frequencies. There is no place else where I feel more at peace.

We all do this to a certain degree. I think I have compartmentalized all my life, although I have only been fully aware or consciously made the decision to do so in the last two decades.  Most of the time, I believe it is a positive skill to have. Put things in boxes until you can better deal with them. Sometimes it can be a hindrance – some things need to be dealt with on the spot. The important part is to teach yourself how to tell when to do one or the other.