Rob Base was onto something
If you had a pulse in the late 80’s, you know Rob Base, DJ EZ Rock, and their iconic and oh-so-jazzy hit “Joy and Pain”. Although the entire song is basically about how 1) they are awesome and 2) other rappers are not, the chorus is catchy and has been playing in my head on repeat this week.
Joy… and Pain. Sunshine… and Rain. (Give it to ‘em Rob Base!)
Joy and pain. Sunshine and rain. Light and dark. Love and fear. Suffering and peace.
Everything, and.
Life is so magical because of its contrasts. As an artist, I know that a painting really comes to life when there is contrast between light and dark, cool and warm, etc. But what about humans? How do humans come to life? Most of us walk this earth hoping to live in Shangri La while lamenting the fact that we have to do laundry, clean toilets, endure illness, and bury loved ones. But those are the things that make life LIFE. It is the beauty AND the dirt, the joy AND the pain, that make our existence worthwhile not mind-numbingly dull. No mud, no lotus. It is the bittersweetness of it all that adds depth and meaning to our worldly existence.
While running a full blown kitty hospice unit in our home for sweet Jezebel (and all of the pain that came with that), I was asked to collaborate on one of the most rewarding and fun art experiences of my career thus far. In that moment, grief and worry co-existed with joy and hope. In all of my vast and varied life experiences, this was the one true example of “both/and”. It is possible to feel seemingly opposite emotions at the same time, and it is beautiful when we can be present enough to notice it. I am grateful for all of the work I have done that helped me truly savor this duality, rather than try to ignore one emotion for another. This kind of presence, feeling true joy and true sorrow at the same time, is such a gift.
Sweet Jezebel crossed the famous rainbow bridge on Memorial Day, peacefully in her sleep. She did it her way… Pete and I simply tuned in to her and followed her lead. The hardest part was managing our own discomfort. She knew exactly what she was doing.
In the midst of this, I prepared for my part of the big collaboration. Back in October, based largely on an intuitive hit, I dropped a copy of my book SHINE off at an amazing local clothing store, ABLE. The week before Jezzy passed they reached out and asked me to paint leather items at an event with their biggest customer, The Country Music Hall of Fame. It was my book, shining in their office since the fall, that led them to me. The entire experience, from beginning to end, was fantastic. Not only did I get to share my art, but I met some amazing folks and created possibility for future collaborations. Also, now I paint leather. And denim. Always evolving over here. 😂
Below are some pics from the event, as well as a custom jean jacket I painted to wear at the CMHOF. And I am throwing one in of sweet Jezebel, because I just know that she was with me. Staring judgingly yet wanting snuggles, murderous AND loving. Jezebel was all about the duality, too.
With love,
Peyton
