2023 where did you go?

Hey Friends, It has been a while since I last shared my journey with you, and as I sit down to write this, I find myself reflecting on the twists and turns life has thrown my way. The past three years have been a rollercoaster of challenges that have reshaped my art and my entire life. From the pandemic job loss and surgery on my arm and hand, the very tools I use to create my art, the road to recovery was long and often arduous, demanding patience and resilience. Just as I was starting to regain my artistic rhythm, life threw another curveball my way. My mother was diagnosed with kidney cancer, and for the next eight months, I became her primary caregiver. The role of a caregiver is both profound and demanding, and during that period, my focus shifted from my art to being a source of strength for the person who raised me. I found myself doing the things she did for me. It was rewarding but difficult; people are complicated, and families are complicated. Tragically, my mother passed away in February 2023, leaving a void that words can hardly describe. Grieving is a process that takes time, and as I navigated through the waves of loss, I found myself grappling with a new reality—one where I need to rebuild not only my life but also try and find my artistic identity. Putting my art back into the spotlight, I entered it into some shows, hoping to reconnect with the community of creative artists in my area. However, life had another surprise in store. Just as the exhibitions were opening, I fell ill with COVID-19 and couldn't attend. It was a disappointment, but I'm happy I did put the work out there. Being a caregiver, while immensely rewarding, took a toll on my health. Now, as I step back into the realm of my creativity, I am confronted with new limitations. It's a process of rediscovery, of understanding what my body and mind can do together. I have been doing a lot of thinking, good or bad, about the past, life, and death—why? Art has always been my sanctuary, a place where I can pour my emotions, thoughts, and experiences onto the canvas. The future remains uncertain, but I find solace that I am on this path for a reason. In a way, my art becomes a mirror reflecting the journey I've traveled. I am not the only one whose things that are impossible to speak can be explored in art. As I navigate this uncertain path, life has a way of surprising us, and I'm determined to meet those surprises with a paintbrush in hand and a heart full of hope. Thank you for being a part of my journey. With gratitude, Miranda