How Big Do We Dare to Dream?

After last week’s post about discovering an artist I admire, Christian Hook, I kept watching his videos. Beyond his extraordinary work, I enjoyed witnessing his mindset about success.

Although he seems very humble, watching him made me wonder about vision and how we see ourselves. How much does what we imagine for ourselves influence where we eventually find ourselves?

There is so much talk about visualization, about feeling our creation as if it has already happened, until one day it comes to fruition. Christian Hook’s work is stunning and belongs in beautiful galleries. But I also know gifted artists who keep themselves hidden.

This made me wonder: What can I dream for myself?

As I continue exhibiting, do I dream of better and better galleries and exhibitions? Or do I remain small because of my own limitations, because I simply haven't imagined something bigger?

Something to ponder.

Louise Fletcher is another artist I follow, and I love her approach to art: do what you love and are drawn to, how you want to feel, and don't think about what people expect. I sense something similar in Christian Hook's work. He seems to keep pushing his own limits, not for others, but for himself.

In my own new abstract work, I am pushing my limits too. Very slowly so far and rather timidly, but I am taking steps forward. It feels odd at times. Uncomfortable. But it is also exciting.

And yes, I always include a horse, or several horses, in my paintings. That's where my heart sings. Somehow, through this new exploration, I feel even closer to them.

These days, I really paint for myself.

Will I ever visualize myself in an upscale gallery? Does it matter?

Maybe.

For now, I just want to connect to my heart by painting horses.