As an artist deeply connected to the world of water, this painting holds a special place in my heart. The background, a medley of eight different shades of blue, offers a textured canvas reminiscent of the waves I've encountered throughout my life. The thickness of the paint creates an intriguing paradox, as it contradicts the smoothness usually associated with water.

My journey with water began at the young age of five when I first dove into the world of swimming. A dedicated swimmer for 30 years, I competed until I sustained back injuries that ended my career of being a full-time firefighter. The transition from the swimming pool waters to the world of firefighting had made me acutely aware of the dual nature of water, as it was both my sanctuary in swimming and an essential element for quenching the flames I battled as a firefighter. Beyond competition, I dedicated myself to teaching the art of swimming, running a successful swimming lesson business for eight years and coaching both club and high school swimmers for over a decade.

This painting, a vivid representation of a water drop creating a spherical splash, encapsulates the essence of my aquatic experiences. It's a reminder of the beauty and complexity of water, a substance that has shaped my life in more ways than one.

Below is a time-lapse video of the majority of this painting “Drop”