ring ring... ring... "hello?"

"Hello neighbor" (2014), acrylic and mixed media on canvas

2 panels, each 6 x 6 in.

Here is another one of my paintings from my "telephone" series. I don't really know what to call this series yet, but I do know that it's an exploration of connection, communication and relationships. If you like these, connect with me on Facebook to stay up to date on my latest works.

Anyways, I can still remember my primary school days long before cellphones where I'd spend hours chatting on the phone with my friends. Although I saw them nearly everyday, it was a different experience to chat with them on the phone, mostly because it was a one-to-one conversation and none of our other friends were around. We could talk about the things that only matter to the two of us, exchange opinions and thoughts freely, and sometimes gossip about our other friends (Ok I admit, we mostly gossiped about our other friends and teachers. We were kids, don't judge.. and you know you still do it even as an adult!). As primary school kids whose lives were mostly school, homework, extra activities that parents sign you up for (like piano lessons), and family time, these carefree phone conversations were precious moments of like-minded connection that today are few and far between.

So who were these friends of yours? Are you still in touch with them? Have you grown closer over the years (decades for some!) or become mere acquaintances? Who are your close friends now? How are you connecting with them?

Pick up the phone and call someone just to chat for a bit!

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. :)