2024 IN REVIEW

 

​My 2024 was marked by several exciting exhibitions with each of the galleries that  currently represent me, two trips to Croatia to visit my mom, a holiday in Cancun with my family, many new commissioned works, and a museum exhibit where my painting was shoulder to shoulder with Hokusai's legendary masterpiece "The Great Wave off Kanagawa ".

"Wondrous Reef " diptych at Olson-Larsen Galleries*

 

 

"Wondrous Reef " series at Walker Fine Art*

"Ark" at Gallery1871* (and following 4 images)

 

 "Return to Arcadia" at Olson-Larsen Galleries* 

 

 "Waterways" exhibition, together with Hokusai's "The Great Wave" * 

For me this year was also greatly impacted by my older son Albert enrolling in Illinois Math and Science Academy, a residential public magnet high school. So, instead of having a child leaving for college at 18, I had to (despite being immensely grateful and happy for such a wonderful opportunity for my highly gifted child), make peace with letting him spread his wings and leave the nest early so he can fly, at 14.

 

My painting "Viridis", part of a permanent collection of Aurora University*

And yet, though I would of course love to have him at home with us every day, our weekends together are filled with great discussions and exchange of ideas underscored with a heightened awareness of how precious our time together is.

Every aspect of my life is connected to my work on some level. When Albert was just born, I decided to create a series of 365 watercolors until his first birthday. Each was to be 9"x12" in size. I titled the work "Albert's Series". It was dedicated to him, and in a way to me too, for persevering as an artist in this new role of motherhood. Becoming a mom felt so challenging, but the idea of neglecting being an artist was challenging just as well! Out of the new beautiful and difficult challenge of parenthood, new artwork also came to life. 

*"Albert's Series" at Wisconsin University, 2012.

 

Every stage in my life seems to be marked by a new series of works that follow and reflect it. And like almost everything in life - on some level it is always a surprise.