Use your own paint; color your world - Israelmore Ayivor

My art often delves into the realm of melancholy, intertwining personal experiences with deep contemplation. However, this piece stands apart, capturing the essence of finding positivity amidst life's complexities. The woman painting flowers on the floor and walls symbolizes my conviction that I control how I perceive my life, choosing to focus on the positive.

Over the past decade, I have faced financial hardships, enduring weeks without food. The feeling of hopelessness and uncertainty about my future was overwhelming. Yet, this artwork embodies my genuine appreciation for the present moment and the simple aspects of life that I possess. Art has been my salvation, transforming the canvas of my life with vibrant hues, much like the woman in the artwork painting herself and her surroundings. Through art, I find solace, inspiration, and a sense of purpose.

As I create, my mind embarks on an exploratory journey, shedding the weight of worries and burdens. The process is magical, as symbolized by the surreal carousel with living horses beneath the woman's dress. The artwork encourages focusing on the positive, which for me, comes from embracing my inner artist, which has bestowed upon me immeasurable joy and contentment.

In retrospect, the weight of the challenges faced over the past decade would have seemed insurmountable had I known about them beforehand. However, despite the hardships endured, I wouldn't change a single moment. The valuable lessons learned during that time have molded me into the person I am today. While I wouldn't want anyone else to go through what I did, I am ready to embrace positive growth and move forward with my life.

Similar to a snake shedding its old skin to reveal a vibrant new layer or a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, I long to shed the burdens of the past and reveal the resilient and revitalized individual I've become. This aspiration is symbolized throughout my artwork, from the tattoos adorning the woman's body to the billboards within the city. The box represents the confining and isolating life I've been living, while the suitcases beneath her symbolize her readiness for transformation. This art piece serves as a beacon, a plea to the universe for assistance in making this reality.

To me, punk rock is the freedom to create, freedom to be successful, freedom to not be successful, freedom to be who you are. It's freedom. - Patti Smith

In the vibrant heart of 1980s New York City, as a 14-year-old captivated by the enigmatic allure of punk culture, I embarked on secret train journeys from the suburbs. Greenwich Village became my immersive sanctuary, a whirlwind of raw energy that pulsed through every corner. From punk bars reverberating with anthems of rebellion to walls adorned with captivating artwork promoting local bands, the visual tapestry of punk captivated me.

This counter-cultural movement provided a profound connection for me, drawn to its rebellious spirit and celebration of individuality. The allure of punk culture became a breath of fresh air, reinvigorating my teenage perspective and shaping my artistic journey. The visual expression of punk mesmerized me: the vibrant hair, unconventional clothing, and raw energy exuded by its followers.

The artwork is comprised of three distinct elements:
1. The woman's subjective perspective of reality.
2. Her imagined perception of reality.
3. The underlying truth of the piece, which is not immediately evident.

The purple elements symbolize the woman's perception of the room, featuring a surreal sky illuminating the space. The white elements embody the woman's imaginative efforts to better her circumstances symbolized by drawings springing to life, water, Koi fish (Still in its illustrative state), large tree, and birds. This reflects her beliefs in using her imagination to influence her surroundings.

In contrast, the reality of the situation reveals that the woman is confined to a mental asylum, in an empty sterile white padded room. Her dress is actually a straitjacket, transformed by her imagination into a white dress, preserving the bindings and abstract appearance of the jacket. Even amidst daunting challenges, we possess a strong tool: the gift of imagination. It serves as a compass, guiding us through the murky waters of reality. It enables us to transcend the limitations of the present, envisioning a brighter future. In our hands lies the potential to materialize the abstract, turning the impossible into the possible. This artwork is not a portrayal of sadness, but rather a testament to the unwavering spirit of hope.

“I feel the most sorry for the ones who starved to death. I’ll never get over that feeling. People today say ‘I’m starving’ when they are hungry – but they don’t understand what that really means.” — Shigeru Mizuki

Years ago I worked at a hostel in Guatemala earning only $2 per hour. Guests would often purchase an abundance of amazing foods, only to leave it behind upon their departure. Each week, two individuals were entrusted with the responsibility of collecting all the food. Their duty was to discard open and spoiled items while equitably distributing the remaining among the workers. Despite starving and not eating for days, they never extended the courtesy of sharing with me. My attempts at humor, laced with underlying seriousness, were made in the vain hope of receiving some sustenance. To my weary eyes, they appeared as nothing more than human pigs, oblivious to the suffering of others.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
- Mary Elizabeth Frye

Over a decade passed swiftly, marked by a daily ritual of sitting outdoors, smoking cigarettes, and yearning for spiritual guidance. The gentle dance of leaves swaying in the breeze provided a fleeting solace. Questions flooded my mind, but hope remained elusive. Anger consumed me, as if the universe was mocking me.

Yet, hidden within this solitary contemplation was a secret I had never shared. Often, during these moments, my hand would inexplicably heat up. Could it be the spirit of my departed mother, reaching out to comfort me like she did when I was a child?

Now, whenever leaves flutter in the wind, I gaze at their shadows, wondering if my mother watches over me. In those fleeting moments, I have found my sign and a renewed sense of hope.

During my childhood, gazing out the airplane window during flights ignited a whimsical imagination. A recurring fantasy captured my mind: the clouds were made entirely of fluffy cotton candy. I envisioned myself perched atop the plane, my mouth wide with anticipation, ready to consume as many clouds as possible. The youthful imagination possesses an enchanting quality, and this served as the inspiration for this art piece.

Patience is the art of hoping. - Luc de Clapiers

In a world where guarantees are elusive, patience becomes difficult. At the age of 41, while working at a hostel in Guatemala, the realization hit me that 50 was just around the corner, and a profound sense of dissatisfaction enveloped my life. Art became my solace, my singular focus. Before and after my shifts at the hostel, I dedicated myself to creating digital masterpieces. Back then, people questioned the legitimacy of digital art as a true art form. The path forward seemed uncertain, but I knew deep within me that my salvation lay within my art.

Years passed, and I persevered with unwavering patience. Finally, a breakthrough emerged as digital art made its way into the traditional art world. With immense effort and unwavering patience, I secured a spot on the prestigious SuperRare platform, where only 1% of artists are granted the opportunity to showcase their work. This platform transformed my life, allowing me to earn a stable income and afford basic necessities like rent and food.

My journey continued with physical artworks displayed in galleries like Palm Beach Florida, a haven for the world's wealthiest individuals. I had the privilege of participating in numerous gallery shows around the world. However, after two promising years, the digital art market lost its momentum. Despite this setback, hope remains alive within me. I have learned that patience is a virtue, and I am confident that things will take a positive turn once again.

In contrast to my typically serious artistic creations, I occasionally find comfort in creating lighthearted pieces. During a period of skepticism surrounding the potential of the internet in 1995, David Letterman famously ridiculed Bill Gates, questioning the need for computers. This exchange sparked an idea for an artwork depicting a disgruntled mail carrier unleashing their frustration on a computer store.The concept of a mail carrier getting revenge with email technology amused me, and I decided to bring it to life through my artwork.

Having limited resources, new footwear is an unattainable luxury. As a result, my toes often poke through the gaping holes of my worn-out shoes. This challenging experience sparked the inspiration behind my unique artistic concept, where toes and shoes merge seamlessly into one. While this artwork may appear simple at first glance, it required a substantial amount of effort to create. Unlike my other works, which typically involve combining numerous images, this concept demanded a different approach. I opted to blend painted visuals with photography, resulting in an outcome that I am incredibly proud of.