New Life
10” x 8”
Acrylic, Prismacolor pencils, and papyrus on wood panel
The Series
Undoubtedly, you have experienced at least one moment that has transformed how you navigate the world. It may have been very private, and while nobody may have noticed, in that instant, your world suddenly changed forever. A new facet formed in the complex and beautiful geode that is you. I believe it is these moments that truly shape us and these are the nuggets of humanity that I am fascinated with.
This piece is part of a series in which I invited my community to share a moment of significance with me. Through the series, I have been able to connect with my community in ways I haven’t able to before and get a deeper understanding of their experiences. Using our discussions as a guide, I create pieces, illustrating their moments, to be shared with the world. So that they can be heard.
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Alisha’s Story
Ever since I was younger, I always wanted to emulate happy women. There was this girl in school who was probably 5-6 years older than me and I always wanted to be like her...incredibly bubbly, energetic, genuine, and positive. Her energy was incredibly infectious and that motivation has stayed with me throughout my life. Pictures like this one remind me that I’m doing pretty well in living up to that goal of enjoying the little moments and exuding happiness.
This move to Portland has been a huge life-changing and eye-opening transition in my life, which has allowed for all the smiling, happy energy (hence the selfie I guess).
I’ve realized that I’m meant to live amongst the trees. It reminds me of my childhood in Placerville, and the energy and fresh air from the environment calms and rejuvenates me. I also have come to realize how much I love the rain. Before moving here, I was somewhat dreading it, and prepping myself for the dreary, gray sadness. But I have actually discovered that I love the rain and it actually brings me happiness..... the smell, the cleansing of nature, and the fresh energy it brings.
So I’ve attached one of my favorite pictures from one of the many hikes that we’ve enjoyed. It’s hard to take a picture of rain or capture the essence, but I feel that waterfalls and the greenery help paint that picture of happiness to me right now.
