To Feel Is to Be an Artist

Artist Journal · Originally posted November 1, 2023

As I've been updating my artist blog and site, I've come back around to express what I'm going through in my mind and my heart, here in my Artist Journal. I like to write. I enjoy the relief of releasing backed-up emotions, thoughts, misunderstandings and revelations. It's like giving the soul a giant overhaul; an ethereal dump, if you will.

Whenever I read other people venting and sharing their rawest inner feelings, I would relate and feel a lot better about myself. I came to accept myself and my circumstances with openness, and eventually with a zero-thought mentality. Meaning, no more attention was paid to it. It just was, now.

To Feel Is to Be an Artist

I look back at what I've written and published publicly, and I have no regrets. Those words are what they were: a moment in time. I'm not a mechanical heap of a robot that does things without depth, meaning or reason. An artist's ability to feel immensely is a gift. Though it can be a curse at times to go through such intensity, if we learn to alchemize those feelings into what our soul needs, we may yet find salvation.

At times, I do wish I could stop feeling and thinking and just be nothing. Ya know? But I can't, for now. I can only navigate forward and focus on a peaceful stillness.

So, for those who feel shame, regret or unease for feeling so much and expressing it, I say two things. First, don't beat yourself up for being intelligent and able to discern. Second, maybe don't take things too far. A healthy balance is in order, for each of us in our own way.

There is always more to write about as life goes on, but for now, let's switch gears and have some fun. Bring on the AI Art Generations!

✦ Ramon Trif ✦

Where Have I Been?

Artist Journal · Originally posted March 5, 2023

Four Years Away

As I sit down to write this, I feel excitement mixed with nostalgia. It's been four long years since I last stepped foot in an art gallery or showcased my work to the world. The pandemic hit hard, and I chose to isolate myself from social paradigms that were rapidly rotting and degenerating. The political misguidance, and the way people weaponized one another, also played a part in my decision to step back from the limelight.

Back again.
Back again.

The Journey Inward

During my hiatus, I embarked on a spiritual journey, exploring the depths of my soul and the world around me. It was challenging and often daunting, but I persevered, and in doing so I unlocked a new level of creativity within myself.

I met key people and forces that revealed so much more about the world: the way people are, and the way the outer realms work in accordance with practical life on Earth. I realized my art should reflect not just my personal style, but also the beauty and the harshness of the world around me.

Green: the colour of rebellion and speed.
Green: the colour of rebellion and speed.

One Master Style

As I evolved, I combined all of my traditional art styles into one master style. It was a thrilling, transformative process. My art is now a fusion of techniques and styles, each one unique and essential to the whole piece. I no longer feel constrained by any single style, and I'm free to express myself in new and exciting ways.

The hiatus was not just a break from the gallery scene. It was a break from my old self, my old ways of thinking and my old artistic style. I came out of it with a renewed sense of purpose, a clearer vision of the world and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of life.

Ready to Burst Forth

My work has always been about pushing boundaries, breaking down barriers and challenging the status quo. With this new style, I feel ready to take things to a whole new level. The creativity that has been bubbling inside me these past four years is ready to burst forth. My time in isolation was not wasted; it was a time of growth, discovery and experimentation.

The pandemic may have forced me to take a break, but it also gave me the opportunity to evolve, grow and create something new. Life is a circle, and I'm ready to embrace the next phase of my journey with open arms. I can't wait to share it with all of you.

✦ Ramon Trif ✦