Listening to the Painting

Trust the Process

It has taken me a long time to bring “Grounded 1 & 2” to life. These long, narrow vertical paintings (180 x 30 cm) are a labor of patience and trust in the process — every hour spent shaping color, composition, and rhythm adds to the presence they carry.

A ‘totem’ typically refers to a tall, slender artwork that often embodies cultural symbolism, spirituality, or storytelling elements.

I’ve learned that narrow vertical panels demand a different approach to composition. While I always consider how to create visual interest and guide the viewer’s eye, these panels pushed me to focus even more

Working on these totems has taught me that the paintings which resist the most are often the ones that have the most to offer.

I used to feel frustrated when a piece wouldn’t come together. The totems would stay in a state of tension, never quite resolving or revealing where they wanted to go, even when I felt close at times. The work would remain unresolved for much longer than I expected, asking for more patience — giving us both a break before I returned with fresh eyes to continue the journey.

Over time, I’ve come to realize that all of this — the waiting, the uncertainty, the struggle — is exactly where the learning happens. There’s no such thing as wasted effort in this process. Each pause, each moment of frustration, brings new insights and opens the door to ideas I wouldn’t have reached otherwise. The paintings that challenge me the most force me to push beyond my comfort zone, teaching me new lessons and expanding my creative toolkit.

Making art in this way has shown me that progress isn’t always linear. Even when a piece feels unresolved, it is quietly shaping my understanding, my technique, and my vision. The resistance isn’t a failure; it’s an invitation — a chance to grow, to explore, and to discover something I might never have imagined.

In the end, “Grounded 1” and “Grounded 2” are more than paintings — they are companions in the journey of creation. Their presence reflects the patience, persistence, and trust that went into making them, and they carry that energy into the space they inhabit. Standing before them, you can feel the stillness and tension, the growth and quiet resolution — a testament to the power of trusting the process, embracing the struggle, and welcoming the lessons that each moment of creation brings.

Video showing the progress of Grounded 1 & 2