Ikigai: Passion

Inspired by the Japanese practice “Ikigai” stemming from the belief that the sum of many small joys in the everyday results in a more fulfilling life and a reason for being. 

Through small gestures of color, this work explores how all of the little joys we find in our daily life is what makes it worth living. They are surrounded in gold leaf, representing the high worth of such joys when added together.

Working on this series has reminded me to pay more attention to the small joys in my own life, so in creating these pieces, I’ve become even more aware of all the little things that are me happy.

What ignites your soul?  What brings immense joy to your everyday existence? 

This is where you get to go play. Explore what sets your heart on fire. Be bad at things. Then practice so you get better. What interests you might evolve over time, and that's okay. Embrace the changes, for they are signs of growth and transformation.

And remember that your passion doesn't have to be something grand or widely recognized. It can be as simple as finding joy in the small things. 

Incorporate what makes you come alive into your daily routine, even if it's in small doses. Your passion is a gift waiting to be unapologetically unwrapped, and the world is eager to witness the brilliance you'll bring.

24" x 48" Acrylic and Gold Leaf on Canvas