Why Wholesome Art?

Wholesome Definition

Adj, conducive to or promoting moral well-being / "good wholesome fun"

It seems as though everywhere you look in society there is violence, anger, aggression, and hatred. It is hard to find wholesome content aimed at highlighting our commonalities instead of emphasizing all of our differences. The media, whether it’s mainstream news or social platforms has created an algorithm thriving on pitting us against each other. Ironically instead of ignoring it and focusing on human connection we are actively seeking it out only further compounding our continued isolation and despair.

I reject all of this. I believe the only way we succeed is through unity. We need more empathy, more understanding, and more kindness in the world. We need to learn how to connect with each other in person. We need to spend more time in nature. We need to spend more time creating.

I want to create wholesome art that people can relate to. I want to create art that not only puts a smile on your face but also shows you that we all enjoy the same things. We all like our little rituals, we all enjoy fresh air, most of us look forward to our hot coffee or tea every morning, we love our pets, we enjoy desserts. The list goes on you get my point.

Maybe these are small and seemingly insignificant details but sometimes learning that someone across the world experiences life in the same way you do helps build bridges not walls.

Wouldn’t it be fun to learn that the person across the street only drinks their coffee black because of a milk allergy, or your colleague will only drink green tea in the morning because coffee makes them too jittery, or maybe the person you’ve never spoken to before but frequently see at the grocery store drinks coffee the same exact way you do.

Maybe we will learn that we really do have so much more in common with each other. The majority of us are all inherently good. We all want to earn an honest living. We want to provide for our families. We want to celebrate birthdays and holidays and go on vacations. We want to watch the newest movies and chat about TV shows and discuss books. We just want to connect.

Maybe one day you’ll be standing in front of one of my art pieces next to someone you don’t know and you’ll both say at the same time “I really love pink bows and fresh fruit.” Suddenly you’re talking about the delicious coffee at the cafe down the street, and “oh my gosh have you tried the croissants at the bakery”, or “you need to check out the crazy lamps shades at the furniture store” .. and so on and so on.. and you will become the best of friends just like that.

Complete strangers that were able to connect over something small and seemingly insignificant.

This is the wholesome content I am striving for. This is the wholesome life I am striving for. We will get there. You will see.

By the way have you tried the sugar cookies at Once In A Blue Moon Bakery at Cary Park? Jack and I love them!

A Sunday Smile

Mixed Media 8” x 12”

Encapsulating some of my favorite moments on a Sunday. Fresh air, fruit, hot coffee, and books.

How do you like to spend your Sundays?