Turns Out... Watson and I Have a Lot in Common

Hey, hello dear friend,

Last week, I shared my experience with Watson, the Labrador I've been caring for during my artist residency. I mentioned how I went from being slightly impatient with the time he spends sniffing every tree, bush, and patch of grass to becoming completely fascinated by it.

The more I learned about how dogs experience the world, the more patient I became. But what I didn't expect was that Watson would end up teaching me something profound about myself.

A Moment of Reflection

The other day, while we were out on our usual walk, I caught myself laughing. There he was, completely absorbed by yet another bush, and I thought, "Oh my gosh... I'm exactly the same." Of course, I don't smell bushes, but when something genuinely captures my curiosity, I can't let it go. I get obsessed about it.

In my personal experience, it goes like this, and I have plenty of examples throughout my life:

• I paint it.

• Then I write about it.

• Then I talk about it on the podcast.

• Then I read five books about it.

• Then I interview someone who's dedicated their life to it.

• And somehow, I always end up coming back to the same question from a different angle.

  
  

A New Understanding

Then this week, something finally clicked!

For years, I thought I had different jobs. I wore different hats depending on the day. Sometimes I was an artist, other times a writer, then a podcaster, or a mentor. Depending on where I was or who I was talking to, I'd think of myself differently.

But I don't think that's true anymore.

I've come to realize I don't have separate creative projects. I have one life's work.

And let me tell you, I find it fascinating—mostly liberating—that this realization came exactly as I'm writing the second edition of my book, Decoding the Flow.

The Many Languages of Creativity

Let's say that painting is just one way I explore it, writing is another, podcast conversations are yet another, and of course, teaching is another.

They're all different languages helping me understand the same thing: what it means to live creatively, to become more aware, and to fully become ourselves.

Looking back now, I don't think Ripple was just about creating one hundred paintings. Maybe it was about paying attention long enough for something deeper to reveal itself. Perhaps that's why this exhibition feels so personal. It isn't simply a collection of paintings hanging on a wall. I feel like it's the visible evidence of a journey that changed me.

And maybe that's why I hope people don't just come to see the paintings.

An Invitation to Connect

I hope they come to experience the conversation behind them.

On Saturday, July 11th at 1 PM, I'll be hosting the closing Artist Talk for RIPPLE, and I'd love for you to join me. I'll be sharing some of the stories, lessons, and unexpected discoveries that never made it onto the gallery walls. Collectors will also be able to pick up their beautiful new paintings.

And if you've been thinking about taking one of the paintings home, this will also be one of your last opportunities before the exhibition comes to an end.

A Surprising Teacher

Who knew a seven-year-old Labrador would help me understand my own life's work?

I certainly didn't.

Color Your Life

Art has a unique way of connecting us, doesn't it? It transforms spaces and evokes deep emotions. I invite you to explore this journey with me, to discover how art can speak to your soul and inspire your surroundings.

Let’s celebrate creativity together!

Drica