This too shall pass
2 panels 60x70 cm ea.
Colored pencil on paper, mounted on wooden panels, framed with leather
In July 2017, on a full moon, I lost my beloved grandmother to a disease. We could see then that a part of my grandfather - her husband - died with her, and we wouldn’t have been surprised if he didn’t live long after her passing. But we had a privilege of having him with us for another 7 years.
In January 2024, on a full moon, my grandfather passed away. Through the tears, I felt a warm sense of relief spread in my chest: now, they’re together again.
When it happened, I was starting an artwork I’ve been planning for months. One of the phrases that many times has kept me sane through the toughest moments: “This too shall pass”, was the theme I so wanted to explore in it. At the same time, I was reading the autobiography my grandpa wrote for us. He was a physicist, a brilliant engineer mind that loved facts and numbers, and naturally dedicated more pages to his work and how they bought their house rather than writing about his relationships. He didn’t even say how him and grandma met. “It’s not a romantic novel” - he explained.
Nevertheless, I was devouring the most meaningful 300 pages I’ve ever read, and the sketch for my new piece was changing and taking on new faces. It had to be her, it had to be him. Drawing this diptych has become a part of the grieving process. I wanted it to feel nostalgic, light, and hopeful. Of things passing, and things staying with us as little details of memories when they disappear physically. Ever-changing, cyclical, following a mysterious synchronicity in becoming a unique pattern of one’s life.
Pink Socks Serenade
"Pink Socks Serenade" is about a girl lost in her own silly dance, completely in her element and enjoying a moment of pure fun. The wooden and marble patterns around her add layers to the story. The wood feels warm and grounded, almost like it’s rooting her to something familiar, while the marble brings a sense of elegance and timelessness—a little contrast to her playful energy.
The moon ties it all together, adding this dreamy, emotional vibe. It feels like a nod to intuition, cycles, and how these moments of letting go are part of something bigger. She’s not just dancing for fun; it’s her way of being fully present in herself, connected to her world but also reaching out to something far beyond it.
This piece is my way of celebrating those small, carefree moments where it’s just you, the rhythm, and nothing else matters.
60x70 cm
Colored pencil on paper, mounted on a wooden panels, framed with leather