2020 was quite the full spectrum experience. So many unprecedented moments, so much grief and loss but then also so much time. For stillness, for listening, and healing and for newly discovered joys. This new sense of connection and camaraderie. We are all in this thing one together, while most of us are the most alone we’ve ever been.
This painting is my little (big) personal love note to Oakland, the land and its people. Most of my time spent in Oakland this year, was spent in the hills. Spending time in nature has been the main lifeline for my mental health. Nature grounds me, relaxes me, helps me to put thing in perspective.
In the spring I learnt from a friend about this young owlet he had spotted right by the path in Redwood Regional Park. Over the following months we kept checking in on her week after week as she gradually learned to fly. She started out very clumsy, but gradually gained confidence and figured out how to use her giant beautiful wings.
Owls have been nesting in Oakland trees long before 2020, and will continue to do so long after.
We have all awakened to something this year, to each their personal journey. Yet I don’t think it is possible to get SUCH a slap form reality, without waking up to SOMETHING. If nothing else then to the fact we are all more resilient than we knew, we are more powerful together and we have to use this power to fundamentally change our systems.
I am hopeful that things will get better, the shift has already started. This was the year we awaken, I just hope we can stay awake in the face of challenge and continue to fight for justice wherever it’s needed and choose love over fear, again and again and again.
[This mural is 8′ x 8′ and painted with spray paint and acrylic.]
