In Between

Lately, in our quest for speed, we seem to enjoy simplifying meanings to short, single sentences. However, it does not, in my view, help us understand the world any better. There is a personal choice to be made by each of us - whether we wish to move quickly with limited attention to each thing we face, or whether we step back, slow down, see the whole picture and allow ourselves to be immersed in things that cannot be synthesised into sound bites but require time and effort to explain. 

The world is full of simple concepts that in merging produce new meanings. There is a  beauty in the patterns that with their repetitions and combinations create complexity. The ability to see that complexity allows us to see beyond clichés and read between the lines. It enables us to become explorers and creators of new definitions and meanings. For me, it is the same with art.  In taking time, in stepping back, a whole universe of shades, textures, lights, forms, and feelings emerge that are not confined to first impressions.

As a whole, the simplicity of colors and lines helps me create more complex concepts. These concepts evolve and develop with time and can be applied to different aspects of my work and life. It is about the exploration of the limits of monochrome and how it creates different shades and forms. How the process influences the final work, and how simple contrasts can hold secrets hidden in between.

We all have our own journey and our process, and after years of contemplation, I have discovered that mine is in a delicate, constant yet shifting balance between colors, feelings, traditions, cultures, and nationalities. I believe that rather than be tied to extremes that seek to limit us, we as a society can choose, combine, and multiply choices by creating something new from something old. We can combine cultures, religions, knowledge, aesthetics, jobs, and interests, to define unique faiths, beliefs, and nationalities that best express us. 

I do not practice daily meditation traditionally; nor do I repeat prayers thousands of times. But every day, each morning, I painstakingly create hundreds of lines on paper. This is my way of meditating. 

It is not in denying heritage and tradition but in finding my balance in between that I find myself and my art. 

The way of being an eternal student.