A NEW DAWN - A NEW COLLECTION

n 2023, I spent time exploring and developing ideas for my next collection using traditional methods such as drawing and painting. It felt like a new dawn—a deeper rediscovery of techniques that were overshadowed in my first collection by the predominant use of digital editing tools.

For this new collection, I wanted to focus more on traditional methods and rely on digital manipulation less frequently, to further enhance my work. In this blog, I introduce three new pieces from my upcoming collection, soon to be uploaded on my website www.colourandash.com.

REBIRTH

"Rebirth" reflects my journey toward spiritual awakening, both as an artist and as an individual. Initially, I went through life feeling mentally and spiritually asleep, doing what was expected of me without even realizing it.

In today's world, there is immense pressure to conform and fit into a system that can feel alienating and overwhelming. It often fails to accommodate the person you are or the person you are becoming. Yet, we all chase after our share of this system, desperately seeking a false sense of freedom and pride. Don’t get me wrong; I believe it’s important to desire nice things, have jobs, and pursue careers. These elements of life are crucial as they enable us to navigate a challenging world. During the pandemic, I began to contemplate how I could improve my life by finding more freedom and purpose.

Although I had a career as a teacher, I often felt drained, and limited by its responsibilities and expectations. Teaching requires so much of oneself that there is little time left to recharge or consider personal goals. Taking some time off to reflect on my life, despite occasional feelings of guilt and self-indulgence, became essential. I later realized that this guilt was misplaced, fuelled by societal expectations and years of prioritizing others' needs over my own.

During this period, I focused on developing my drawing and art skills and began setting up my business. I also had the opportunity to recommit my life to God and prayer, which provided me with a profound sense of peace and purpose. This experience helped me appreciate life in a new light—one that is less about materialism and more about true purpose. My eyes are now open.

Rebirth 2024

I recently came across this profound extract which I believe is doing the rounds on social media at present. It struck a cord because, it's exactly what the world is seeing and experiencing now when it comes to God, faith and religion.

A man asked CHATGPT if you were the devil how would you keep people from God? This is the response CHATGPT gave

“ I’d start by corrupting mainstream religion, turning it into a tool for control

hypocrisy, and division.

I’d twist sacred teachings into rules that breed judgement and fear, driving people away from faith and making them question the authenticity of Gods message.

I’d divide believers against one another creating conflict within their own community, so that they would focus on fighting each other rather then seeking unity and truth.

I’d then create distractions that seem harmless but consume their attention,

pulling them away from spiritual growth

I’d promote materialism, convincing them that happiness comes from possessions

I’d encourage a culture of busyness, leaving little time for reflection or connection with the Devine

And finally, I’d ensure that doubt and fear overshadow faith and love, so they become too disillusioned to even seek a higher power.”

During my journey to spiritual awakening, I realised God had always

been speaking but so often I was too consumed and too busy to hear or

to listen for his answers to my questions.

Continuing the theme of rebirth, "Purple Glory" is inspired by a dream I had. In this dream, I found myself in a school hall with a few other people, listening to a passionate and fiery sermon. Suddenly, the atmosphere became very heavy, and we all fell to the ground. When I looked up, I saw an endless stream of purple flowers falling from the ceiling. These flowers resembled purple morning glories, but they were more translucent and filled with light, giving off a shimmering silver-gold effect. I tried to touch them, but I couldn’t actually feel them, even though I was reaching out to grab them.

PURPLE GLORY

I attempted to translate this dream into two paintings, which I later enhanced with some final touches in Photoshop. I wanted to capture the wonder of that experience—a snapshot in time through a facial expression. Additionally, I aimed to depict the shimmering brightness of the flowers with their rich, translucent purple colour. It was challenging to visually convey the heaviness that I felt in this dream; it was both uncomfortable and wondrous at the same time.

Purple Glory 2024

CATCHING THE GLORY

The second painting captures another moment from the dream, where I tried to grasp the flowers but found they kept slipping through my fingers. I was attempting to capture something that wasn’t meant to be held but rather experienced.

Catching The Gory 2024

Conclusion:

As I reflected on the dream, I considered its possible meanings and interpretations. I discovered that the purple morning glory flower opens in the morning and closes at night, symbolizing a renewed sense of hope. The flowers in my dream were similar yet distinct; they appeared more majestic, perhaps even heavenly. The heaviness I felt could have been the weight of the presence of God, a feeling I cannot adequately express in words or even through art. These morning glory paintings are an earthly representation of a deeply profound and spiritual dream experience that I documented visually to maintain a mental record. They are an important part of this new collection, symbolizing rebirth and renewal in my faith in God and my journey as an artist.