Matthew, your piece made me think about something I have experienced many times over the years.

People often imagine that an artist’s life is made up of exhibitions, awards, openings and recognition. Yet those moments are surprisingly brief. What remains is the daily practice of walking back into the studio and beginning again.

I have found that every interruption leaves its mark on us — illness, family responsibilities, success, disappointment, even simple passage of time. We do not come back unchanged. The work continues, but so do we.

Perhaps that is why painting has never felt like a destination to me. It feels more like a companion that patiently waits while life takes us elsewhere, and is still there when we are ready to continue the conversation.

Thank you for a thoughtful read.