Letting Go

In 2003, the West Pier in Brighton was destroyed in an arson attack. As I wander around Brighton now, I see that the remnants of this structure have become an iconic symbol of the city, prominently featured in its artistic landscape. Here is my contribution to this collection, which I have titled ‘Letting Go.’ It is a mixed media work, combining oil painting and photography, with limited edition prints available through my website. As we journey through life, we accumulate a myriad of experiences. Our perceptions of these experiences partially define who we are. They can be beneficial or detrimental. We can choose to learn from them and grow, or we may become ensnared, repeating patterns and trapped in their memories. This can lead us to harbour fear, blame, regret, and hatred within ourselves. Life is not easy, but for most of us, it is long. If we are fortunate enough to enjoy a long life, it is wise to release unhelpful feelings tied to our past rather than carrying them forward. We must acknowledge and accept what cannot be changed, allowing ourselves the space and energy to embrace the new with optimism and excitement.