“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.”

HENRY DAVID THOREAU

From Here to Eternity

900 mm x 1200 mm

Acrylic on panel

One of the very best things about overcoming the fear of opening my own gallery during the pandemic was the wonderful friendships I have made and witnessing people’s reactions to my works of heart. 

I created this painting in 2020, during the early days of the Pandemic as part of my “Soften Series” as the world was steeped in harsh, angry, divisive energy.  The series was designed to offer an antidote to life’s harsh edges. When I created this painting, I remember thinking it was ‘soft and silent like an Italian Fresco. Just think how enduring and long-lasting frescos are. Think of how many storms, wars, and pandemics they have survived.

As with so many of my paintings, From Here to Eternity was also inspired by the desire for beauty, and it was for this reason I referenced the soft patinas of Italian frescoes. 

I am my most soulful, most mindful, most peaceful self when feeling anxious – painting is so transcendent. To fellow artists who may suffer from anxiety, self-doubt or fear of showing your work….the wonderful experience of selling this painting and the amazing feeling the memories evoked is a reminder of how by overcoming resistance and making a decision to ‘play’ and share your heart you not only uplift yourself but the lives of those around you.

As Isabel Allende so sagely says, “Show up! Show up and the muse shows up too.”

I hope you enjoy this wee flashback to my painting process and the inspiration behind this work, which is from a series I created called “Soften” back in 2020, in the early days of the pandemic. 

As I share in my video, I very rarely plan my paintings. I just let them speak to me and see what secrets turn up. I’m an intuitive artist, I don’t do any planning, I just let colours and spirit guide me and whatever feelings want to be expressed.

I like to sit there with them, watch them, and let them speak to me and see what special secrets the paintings may give up. Just give them time. A medium once told me that paintings are how spirit talks to me.

“Painting is self-discovery. Every good artist

paints what he is.” 

JACKSON POLLOCK

People often ask, “How do you know when a painting is finished?” In this case, I just felt such overwhelming love. My partner was less convinced and said it didn’t look done. But I felt it in my heart. This is where we have to have faith in ourselves. I felt sure someone would love it as much as I did. And then in walked Jenny Wilson with celebrity chef Jo Seagar—two of the first visitors to my as then still unfinished gallery. Jenny loved it straight away. And it now hangs in the perfect spot, in a beautiful home on the river opposite the historic Stone Store, Kerikeri, The Bay of Islands. 

I know surrounding yourself with beauty, whether it’s painting beauty or hanging a piece of beautiful art on your walls, is so transcendent during times of grief or sorrow, and offers respite care during toxic times. Do you agree?

This painting is sold—commissions are welcome.

🐝🖼 I can work across many different mediums including beeswax, acrylic, oil, mixed media and more