bittersweet

“…’bittersweet’: a tendency to states of longing, poignancy, and sorrow; an acute awareness of passing time; and a curiously piercing joy at the beauty of the world. The bittersweet is also about the recognition that light and dark, birth and death—bitter and sweet—are forever paired.” Susan Cain, Bittersweet

I’ve been told my whole life that I lean toward melancholy. Often, it’s been couched as a joke (cue Debbie Downer from SNL). After reading Susan Cain’s book, Bittersweet, I’m choosing to recognize this unique temperament as a super power. I have the ability to couple the dark and the light, deep grief and unfettered joy. My work is a reflection of this pairing. What better place to recognize this dichotomy?! The sky, the movement of clouds, the constant passage of light and dark can often be captured in one single frame. So yes, often my paintings can be read as dark or moody, but there is always a moment of light - a small sliver of hope.