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The JOY IN QUARANTINE Collection
This collection was painted during quarantine in NYC. It kept me sane through months of isolation in New York, and brought peace to the many unknowns that surrounded everyone. Every line; every color channeled an awareness of gratitude. I slowed down & found JOY.
"The world is chaotic, so here I am purposefully and imperfectly etching my pain, my confusion into joy. Oh, sweet joy. I grasp for peace as music plays in my ears and colors bleed together to make up the city I used to know. These days; streets are bare and crowds are few. Uncluttered...Giving space to breathe. But, breath doesn't come easy for some, so I pray. I search for joy and there it is right in front of me: a glass of water. My joy in this moment. "Through the mess beauty can still be found," I tell myself. My city, this world, has been broken open, but I pray that in those crevices of broken love pours in. " _ with joy, k
"My sweet friend, I just want to tell you how incredible you are, and how much value you bring to this world. You are a source of magic and joy." _with joy, k
"It's not perfect, it's uncomfortable and different than what I'm used to." I tell myself as I scratch colors on white spaces. "But, it's also courage to face it and lean in... embrace and explore. You never know maybe you'll find a new kind of freedom.
It's only moments after I tell myself this; it's 7pm. We raise our windows to join in the praise with pots and pans. The city has a new choir these days and it's probably the largest one yet. We cheer and we holler for those in the midst of it day in and day out. I smile at this union between strangers --- JOY. it's here." _ with joy, k
It's only moments after I tell myself this; it's 7pm. We raise our windows to join in the praise with pots and pans. The city has a new choir these days and it's probably the largest one yet. We cheer and we holler for those in the midst of it day in and day out. I smile at this union between strangers --- JOY. it's here." _ with joy, k
"When the world stopped moving -- You were my home."
_ with joy, k
_ with joy, k
"Vibrant colors run into each other, and I see in your face; a stunning source of boldness, bravery and beauty. You have fought battles I am unaware of and you've experienced pain I cannot know, but yet; you exude such joy... you choose it daily. You overflow with wisdom and truth, and I am inspired by you. You, my gem are JOY. You are BRAVE. You are BEAUTIFUL. You are LOVED." _ with joy, k.
"I've learned to fall in love with the process... most days. It's within the process character is built, imperfections are embraced, and courage is found. Some days I don't love it; some days I just want to lean my head on a wall to escape the growth pains and expansion. But, then I remember this painting was created from a blank page, and I love it; it's beautiful. We are all gifted a blank page every day to build another beautiful life; day by day. JOY, there it is. It's the courage to not give up; it's the joy we must decide to choose." _ with joy, k
This phrase kept coming to me as I sketched this piece. And, of course, I began singing the song John Mayer wrote, "Waiting On The World To Change." But, another thought came to mind, "I desire to create change... I am tired of waiting. And, If that means sharing my joy; then let's go."
_ with joy, k
_ with joy, k
"The world is chaotic, so here I am purposefully and imperfectly etching my pain, my confusion into joy. Oh, sweet joy. I grasp for peace as music plays in my ears and colors bleed together to make up the city I used to know. These days; streets are bare and crowds are few. Uncluttered...Giving space to breathe. But, breath doesn't come easy for some, so I pray. I search for joy and there it is right in front of me: a glass of water. My joy in this moment. "Through the mess beauty can still be found," I tell myself. My city, this world, has been broken open, but I pray that in those crevices of broken love pours in. "
_ with joy, k
_ with joy, k
"People are walking the streets more than ever now. I bought a bike and have found a way to escape and find clarity. I road the open streets with some strangers the other day, and it was pure freedom. The guy to my left was quietly rapping out loud... made me smile. At the next stop, I asked him, "Hey, are you a poet, or performer?" He laughed and said, "Nah, I'm listening to JayZ"
"God, I love this city. I love these people." I whisper to myself. I could still feel the heartbeat of the city as I road the pavement."
"God, I love this city. I love these people." I whisper to myself. I could still feel the heartbeat of the city as I road the pavement."
"Oh, how I miss the evenings of live music. I was walking the streets past some of the places I once performed, and the windows were dim and lifeless. But then; I closed my eyes, and could hear Swang dancing his fingers across the keys, Jason riffing those amazing guitar solos, and Eddy sharing his latest tune. It came back to life for a brief moment, and I smiled. I walked further, and Central Park was alive with a groove. The spaces that held some of New York's finest musicians were scattered about sharing their joy." _bykeirsten
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