Hello... is anyone out there?

"Hello... anyone out there?" (2014), acrylic and mixed media on canvas,

2 panels 8x8 in. each

 Hello... is anyone out there? Does anyone hear me? 

I find it ironic that in a world of interconnectedness, there is an ever increasing loss of true connection. We craft status updates and retweet photos that are supposed to mean something, but what are we really saying? In a world where information is exchanged constantly, who are we trying to connect with? And from what you say, what is it that you want the other person to hear? What do you want them to understand about you, about your circumstances, your thoughts and your ideas?

Sometimes I'm the penguin standing outside of its home, sending a message into the world in the hopes of connecting to someone somewhere. I wonder who really hears what I'm saying, and who resonates with my message. Is anyone even listening? Other times I'm the penguin receiving the information, but in my state of constant distraction and confusion, I fail to recognize what's really being communicated, and I simply pass on by.

How open are you to the world around you? How much do you really notice about your loved ones? When was the last time you were fully present with another person? When was the last time you were really listening with all your senses and with your heart?

Hello... is anyone out there? Does anyone hear me...?

Share and comment if you do. :)