​How does one become an artist? If you’re not one of those who went to art school and followed the direct line to becoming a famous artist (how many of those exist?), then the journey is probably more convoluted.

​‘Believe in yourself, and already, you have your first accomplishment.’ I was 16 when I wrote that neatly in my diary. Then later: ‘Be true to yourself, and the light will brighten the path you need to follow.’ It took some time, some twists and turns to get here, but the path is pretty well illuminatedt these days. 
 
When I was young, I thought I’d be a writer, live in Paris (how romantic!), travel the world and be an agent for change with my words or projects. I did travel, but then I came back and worked again so that I could feed my escapist habit. Travel, photography, writing and art making were always calling. I just had to find a way to support the habit. 

​Do you feel like you’re walking on pins and needles, waiting and waiting for the next report, the next directive about what we should and shouldn’t be doing? 
 
Being ‘fluid’ in my approach to making art is a joyful feeling, part of my creative process, but that’s because it is a self-imposed time for exploration, not something that is mandated out of fear and anxiety. Who likes to be told what to do?! 
 
We all want to do the right thing for the community and ourselves. It’s our obligation to society in general and to those we love. But how can we reframe this time of uncertainty in a positive light? How can we turn this time of ongoing uncertainty into an opportunity for growth, joy and hopefulness, not to mention my favourite: creative exploration in our lives? 

Do You Feel Like You’re Living in a Sci-Fi Movie? None of us imagined that we’d be living through these unusual times, isolating ourselves from others, from the environment we live and work in. Times have changed and we can’t predict what the future will look like. But because of all the challenges we’ve faced, we have adapted and learned new ways to live, some of them might even last for a very long time. 
 
I’ve started gardening. I’m looking forward to those sprouts becoming something I can actually eat, excited about picking fresh greens out of the garden instead of cracking open a plastic container of already slimy arugula. There is joy in the immediacy of that. 
 
Another first: Teaching Online! I’ve just finished giving my first Online Art Workshop. I was asked to share some of my techniques in a few one-on-one sessions with an artist thousands of miles away. 

​In the past, I have been accused of having my head in the clouds, of being a bit of a Pollyana because of my inclination to turn challenges into opportunities, difficulties into lessons that bring about positive change. I swear, I was born optimistic and feisty, a ‘fixer’ at heart. This time in isolation is certainly a test of my skill at maintaining that positive outlook, but I have fared well and am very grateful to have my studio at home, have beautiful views and natural surroundings to calm me and feed my soul. I've even ventured into the world of gardening, albeit with baby steps so far.
 
​As much as I love adventures and challenges, I certainly wouldn’t have chosen this period of isolation, nor would I be the one signing up for a silence retreat. Working as an artist alone in the studio is my ‘normal’, so that might be why I have fared so well. Kayaking is another solitary activity most of the time and I’ve been able to do that a few times when the wind hasn’t been blowing like crazy. Until Covid-19 though, those solitary pursuits were intermingled with joyful times with friends and family and that created a balanced life. And of course, there’s the issue of choice. There’s always that! (smile)

I’m late sharing my thoughts with you this month, because I struggled to find words that had meaning in a time when we are blanketed with fear. But here it is, the one thing that will save us from disaster is persistence in the effort to help one another. 
 
The irony is that as a result of our isolation, our social distancing, we are getting a glimpse into the many ways in which we are connected and dependent on one another. We are protecting ourselves, and our families; we are also protecting each other. We see the world turned upside down and shutting down; fear of the unknown is disrupting a nonchalant approach to living that many of us have taken in the past. The attitude of indifference to the suffering of others and of our environment is over. No one is immune. Where we were focused on our differences in the past, we are getting a glimpse now at the way that the world exists as one cohesive organism. 

A new decade . . . it’s a momentous occasion that beckons us to look forward with hope and great aspirations for changes, both personally and globally. It’s also a time for reflection. How can we change the future without looking at the past? 
 
I lived much of my younger life looking to the future, looking for something new and exciting to capture my attention. That need for exploration, reaching for the stars and ultimately finding the ground beneath my feet was necessary; it was about ‘becoming’ the person I am today. I had to experience success and defeat, love and loss, regret and appreciation, and then finally, come to a place of acceptance for all that life experience.

ART AUCTION - The auction includes three original paintings by Monika Wright. To place your bid, please send me an EMAIL and include your bid amount, contact information and which of the 3 paintings you are bidding on. Auction closes February 1, 2020.
Minimum bids apply. Proof of donation will be sent to the winning bidders. Shipping costs, if any to be added to the bid amount. Please be generous with your bids as the entire amount will be donated.
Donations will be sent to:
New South Wales Volunteer Fire Department
Red Cross Australia

A BRIGHTER DAY - bidding starts at $100
12"x18" - acrylic on CP Watercolour paper includes mat - gallery price $400 - needs to be framed
COLLECTED STORIES - bidding starts at $800
40"x30" - acrylic on gallery wrapped (1.5") canvas - ready to hang - gallery price $1800
HEALING HUMANITY - bidding starts at $450
15"x30" - acrylic on gallery wrapped (1.5") canvas - ready to hang - gallery price $900

It was making art that taught me that living in the moment is positively exhilarating, a rush of energy and focus that creates clarity in all aspects of my life. When I go into the studio, nothing else exists – and everything exists – simultaneously. There are no barriers and yet there is pure attention. It has brought me to a place of intense gratitude for all the goodness in my life: the people, the experiences I’ve lived and the talents that I have. Gratitude shines a light on my responsibility to contribute and share my good fortune.

With the beginning of this new decade, a time of global turmoil, raging fires, flooding, politics creating division and hatred, we are called to look to the past, both distant and recent, so that we can create a better future together. Taking care to examine and respect our Collected Stories, to approach each other’s truths with an open mind and open heart, to listen without judgement…those are difficult but necessary strategies for moving forward. Letting go of our need to be right, of the ego that separates us, is the only path towards Healing Humanity and our planet. 
 
This is my resolution for the turn of the calendar: I want to hear your stories. I want to listen and understand why you feel as you do about the world, and I want us to find solutions together so that we don’t live in fear, but rather love, respect and compassion to see A Brighter Day. Will you join me? 

ART AUCTION - The auction includes three original paintings by Monika Wright. To place your bid, please send me an Email and include your bid amount, contact information and which of the 3 paintings you are bidding on. Auction closes February 1, 2020.
Minimum bids apply. Proof of donation will be sent to the winning bidders. Shipping costs, if any to be added to the bid amount. Please be generous with your bids as the entire amount will be donated.
Donations will be sent to:
New South Wales Volunteer Fire Department
Red Cross Australia

A BRIGHTER DAY - bidding starts at $100
12"x18" - acrylic on CP Watercolour paper includes mat - gallery price $400 - needs to be framed
COLLECTED STORIES - bidding starts at $800
40"x30" - acrylic on gallery wrapped (1.5") canvas - ready to hang - gallery price $1800
HEALING HUMANITY - bidding starts at $450
15"x30" - acrylic on gallery wrapped (1.5") canvas - ready to hang - gallery price $900

A Brighter Day - 12"x 18" - $400

Foremost in my mind and heart at this time of year is the feeling that I am grateful for all of the friendships that life has gifted me, the family that loves me and supports the paths I choose, and this world that inspires me with all its wild and natural beauty. 
 
I am one of the fortunate ones. I was born into a life that has not seen a lot of hardships like the lives of those who have suffered wars and famines, crimes against humanity or personal health challenges. I have had opportunities, both given and created through the choices that I’ve made. And for this life, I am grateful beyond belief. Truly, I sometimes pinch myself in awe – you should see the bruises! (smile)
 
Along with that sense of wonder is an equal measure of responsibility to share my good fortune with others. Giving one’s time is a most precious gift, making space for those who need to share their thoughts, need a friendly face, shoulder to cry on, a helping hand, a smile. And that, I believe is what this ‘Holiday Season’ is about. Regardless of one’s religious or spiritual beliefs, I think we can all get behind the intention to make the world a better place by giving from our hearts, not just our wallets, giving from a place of compassion.

AND HERE'S THE GIFT FOR YOU! 
​
A few years ago, I created a book ‘The Breath of Life’ which was simply a portfolio of some of my art and observations on life at that time. I’d like to share that, as my gift to you, to uplift you and lead you in the direction of an open mind and an open heart. May it inspire you today, and all year long to share your own gifts with the world. And speaking of sharing, feel free to share this PDF. It’s yours to enjoy.


One more thing: This year I built a new 600 sq. ft. studio overlooking the lake (see, there’s another pinch – ouch!). I’m planning on sharing the space for a long-weekend retreat of painting and fun, just a very small group with accommodation available here. It’s still in a development stage, but if you have suggestions or are interested in participating, feel free to send me an email. 
 
Wishing you all a Loving, Peaceful and Fulfilling Holiday Season. May your hearts overflow and spill kindness into many others. ​