Inspired by this beautiful, sunny day to write a few lines in my blog to open up to this New Year.
Last year was amazing, so many dream realised....thought I couldn't possibly top that.....but I do feel that this year will be even more magical......there is such a sense of possibility...anything can happen...and we can make it happen if we just believe in ourselves and our potential.
Looking out of my window today I see the possibility of Spring, not so far away( I know..I always have to think positive to get through...but this is such a day).....when we have a break in the weather like this and I can see the grass, the trees, the sun, of course I know the snow will come, and will stick around for a while, but for now we have a reprieve and I want to celebrate that.
Last year I discovered the magic of a family I did not know I had as I uncovered my past and ventured into the lives of my ancestors in the Outer Hebrides. This has forever changed me in wonderful ways, just to have that connection and such grounding in the knowledge of these amazing, resilient people who worked the land and Seas to survive.
I have been uncovering boats and harbours in my art work for many years but without the knowledge that I came from fishing families on both sides( I knew about my Mums side) and now I discover a place and a people of such strength and the weight of their tough lives on this Island many miles off the coast of Scotland...left to fend for themselves and compelled to travel to sustain their lives as fishermen and women.
It is not a coincidence that I have painted this story intuitively so many times.....it is my imprint and I am here to express it and not forget these people...or where I come from.
S0.....today, on this glorious day, I celebrate and honour my ancestors. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.