My 11th solo art exhibition opens tomorrow.
I’ve called it Coming Home. I realised this morning that it could sound pretty weird to some. So I’d like to tell you why.
Here’s the story:
This show is my first in my new home, my first home in the hills of Perth, my first home purchased on my own since my husband Greg passed away 4 years ago. It’s been a long and surprising journey finding myself here, almost back at the beginning – my first exhibition EVER was also held in the hills, just around the corner at my sister’s home, 13 years ago! In Coming Home, it seems I’ve come full circle.
I named this exhibition Coming Home for all of these reasons, but there are also two others, and they both point to the mysterious workings of the Universe.
When I first walked into this house in December last year, I had already seen 18 houses that I didn’t like. As soon as I entered this one, I noticed 3 paintings on the wall that looked familiar. They were. They were actually painted by me, 12 years ago, and purchased by the then owner of this house. We had never met. I didn’t know her. But for 12 years, my art hung in her home.
And then it became my home.
The second reason is one that goes very deep. As many of us have, I’ve seen a fair bit of adversity in my life. My own chronic, debilitating illness, my daughter’s challenges with mental and physical health, my beloved husband’s 4 year battle with cancer and his passing after 28 years together. And then I’ve had the past four years of rebuilding my life and my identity without him.
Through it all, I’ve witnessed firsthand the gifts that come with adversity. The courage and determination of my daughter. The indomitable faith of my husband. The immeasurable kindness of others as they supported us through our challenges. My own growth, as I struggled to survive. It’s no coincidence that my art has themes of fire and growth, darkness and light.
I’ve used the indefinable magic of the creative process along with faith in an ultimately benevolent Universe to get me through – to “come home” to myself, to my own faith and strength, even when at times, faith and strength were only a tiny glimmer in my heart.
And I’ve held onto this quote from the Baha’i Writings, “My calamity is My providence, outwardly it is fire and vengeance, but inwardly it is light and mercy.”
Fire and Light. Chaos and Growth. Despair and Hope.
These are the themes of my art, and the themes of my life. I hope you find joy in my work!
PS If you’d like to come along to my Open Studio and see Coming Home, all the deets are below. And you can fill your senses with delicious art, all over the Perth hills by visiting dozens of other open studios as well, for the next two weekends!
Comments 14
Thank you Malini, I wish I could come to your exhibition unfortunately I cant get to it from Albany atm. Wishing your your guests a joyful time. Kindest regards, Yvonne
Author
I wish you could be here! But you’ve been with me in spirit and counsel all the way, thank you! xx
Thank you for this invitation Malini, we hope to see you and your exhibition. Sending you best wish’s and wishing you every happiness in your new home…….. Regards Lyn x
Congratulations and I love the story of finding your Home. Sending you lots of love and much success.
Author
Hi Sandra, I love the story too! 🙂 Thank you for your kind words! x
Hi Malini,
I don’t know how I came across your site, story and paintings. All of which are a must read, see and so enjoy! What you have achieved in 4 years is amazing and now, many pages have been turned and you are beginning another beautiful walk on this road of life.
Congratulations on your new home, I hope over time it will fill you heart with much love and happiness, as you and many friends and family grace it.
I would love to join you over this weekend or next, sounds as though it will be so much fun.
I wish you all the best Malini for a wonderful exhibition and lots of blessings in many forms.
Author
Hi Pamela, I would love to meet you in my new home! It’s certainly been an interesting journey, getting here! And thank you so much for your many kind thoughts and warm words. I appreciate them greatly! See you soon! x
i would like to come along and see the homecoming next weekend regards
Author
I look forward to meeting you Lynda!
Hi Malini
I would so love to come to your exhibition especially as we are practically neighbours now. Unfortunately I am away and won’t be back in time. Best wishes for a great weekend and I hope to see you soon.
Author
Awww Brenda that is SO sad, if you’re back by the 28th, please come on the last day! And thank you for the good wishes – they’ve worked! x
Wonderful to see these photos of your show and know you are creating your art and sharing it with the world!
Hope it was a huge success! Congratulations too on you new home and the “sign” that it was the perfect place for you to land! Sending you much love and apprection for your journey home!
Author
Thank you so much Suzanne! What a journey it’s been, and I know you understand how awesome it is to “land” by creating art! It has been such a blessing to have people come and view it – old friends and ones I am meeting for the first time in this new place. I appreciate your warm words, it’s like a visit too! xx
Hi Malini,
I will love to come and see you with your paintings.
You have come home for sure it seems… I’m still on my journey!
See you soon.
Thank you for the invite.
Regards,
Neha