I saw this image of a scuba diver sitting on this boat and thought how peaceful she looked, even with all that gear on and the danger of running out of oxygen on the ocean floor. I wanted to paint it immediately because of this dichotomy. It brought up memories of starting the academy as a firefighter, when I was (and still am fairly claustrophobic). When I put on that mask the first 300 times, it took a few minutes to get used to being dependent on that oxygen, though the thought of inhaling 800° air wasn’t super enticing either.

Now, this brings up thoughts of masking up in public, around loved ones, etc. While painting Solace, I began to realize that I feel like this woman, with a mask over her face all alone on the ocean floor.

I think we all felt this way during the pandemic. For me, however, I felt at peace in that atmosphere; not having to attend art shows and openings. I could sit alone with my thoughts in the basement painting, and all of a sudden, my hermit-like nature was something the world was applauding.

I’m happier now, after all that time, being able to see friends again and worry less about the outcomes of a rogue pandemic. The basement still has it’s space for reflection and work, but I see the downfalls of locking yourself away from the world for too long.