Gone with the Wind

Reading time: approx. 2-3 min

The next element, which now joins earth and water, is air. An element that is not only essential for us humans to survive, but also gifts us a little "welcome" and a little "farewell" every single day. Every breath in holds a touch of life, and with every breath out, a touch of death. It is almost as if this element could not be more contradictory in its very own way of being.

What does air mean to you? A question I have asked myself for each of the elements I have painted so far. I can only highly recommend sitting down with this question and truly sensing it. We humans live surrounded by all these elements in a deep symbiosis and at least for me, it happens quite often that I forget this in everyday life.

In the beginning, I had a totally different image in my mind, one of an absolutely minimalist nature. Just the way I picture the element of air on the fly. Somehow one or two lines, painted very intuitively onto the canvas, and that was it. Maybe you imagine it similarly?

When I started, I left way too much water on the canvas. My colors just blurred into nowhere and somehow it looked like a huge blob or, shape-wise, more like a cow patty, haha. Oh well, I thought to myself, it is just meant to be. As always, I keep going and see what it carries within.

Over time and I allowed myself significantly more time for this piece I felt that I was still carrying such a blocking image of this element inside me. Why is that? And where does that actually come from? It occurred to me that elements in general are often shown in very simple shapes, and air usually has something very simple and "puffing" about it. I felt like a teenager who, for some insecure reason, just puts on whatever everyone else is wearing and what happens to be on trend right now. This behavior is obviously something I carry within me regarding the elements series as well.

Well then, enriched by this insight, I dedicated myself further to the painting and inwardly asked myself where and when I have come into contact with this element. I wanted to have my clear, very own, centered view on it. And that is how this third part of the series came to life, which reminded me that I am allowed to freshen up my perspective time and time again. Perhaps at this point, I should even speak of an upwind.

For me, air is something that reminds me to be very strong without having to become visible in a specific shape, color, or manner. There are no boundaries or rules. 

You are strong, just like the wind can be. 

You are delicate, just like the touch of a pleasant evening breeze on your skin. 

You are sometimes loud and sometimes quiet. 

And you breathe. Your whole life long, you are deeply connected to this element.

The air reminds me that I am allowed to be so many things, without having to think that I can only show it in a single, limited way. You make an impact in the world, simply because you are You. Because you pour yourself into the world and move through it dancing.

Thank you so much for reading!

These posts are a part of my artistic journey, shared here with you. 

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