Living in the Present

Since December 2011, my husband and I have lived abroad from our home country of the U.S., moving to a new country every few years. Because my art is greatly inspired by the countries we live in, the window series became a long-term project reconnecting with my roots. Every two to three years, when we return to the U.S. for a visit, I etch one of these windows. Revisiting my old haunts but also observing the changes through the artmaking is a beautiful experience. I always make time for this in the midst of the busy social calendar with family. You can read more about this project in ‘Earth Day- Windows’.

In considering the past I recognize that I hold sentimental feelings towards the area I grew up. In considering the future I recognize that I would never be happy moving back to that same area. We cannot live in the past. It does not exist. The trees have died, the orchard has shrunk, the orchard and my childhood home are no longer in my family. I can be grateful for the memories, while grounding myself in the sensations around me. That cool grass on my feet, the breeze in the air are a pleasing sensation keeping me present. The relationship with the places and people who shaped who I am today are more true than the divisions. Living in the present with this hyperawareness to the beautiful little details is how we continue to live sustainably.

*The brief video making this video can be viewed on Instagram.