Stone Lithograph

21" x 28"

2014

In trying to better understand and accept the ever-changing ebbs and flows of my own emotional, social, familial, and spiritual life, I collected insights and ideas from a number of personally relevant sources in order to develop an image that addresses not only the idea, but also the importance of “going with the flow.”  

Over the past four years, many of my commutes to and from college classes have been spent in deep conversation with my Dad. Sometimes things are kept very light and casual, and that’s more than okay with me. But the most memorable and cogitating talks that we’ve had have involved the contemplation of, and sometimes heavy debate over culture, politics, morals, and spiritual beliefs. When initially composing my ideas in regards to the concept of “going with the flow”, I couldn’t help but be inspired by the conversations my Dad and I had with one another over the past few years. One concise bit of wisdom stood out as especially helpful in better understanding how to deal with the ebbs and flows of life. My Dad simply explained that in life there are things that fall into your “Circle of Influence,” and things that fall into your “Circle of Concern.” By this, he was conveying to me that certain things are out of my control, and therefore should not be stressed about or attempted to be controlled, yet that the mindset I adopt and how I conduct myself in responding to these situations IS in my control and worth investing energy in.

During the summers I enjoy going out on my canoe in the Northwestern part of Wisconsin where I live. While on the water, I often encounter all types of wildlife and am able to witness the “flow” that exists in the subtle “gives” and “takes” that occur between the infinite species of plants and animals that exist in that ecosystem. This seemingly effortless harmony and acceptance of what is that exists within nature serves as a beautiful reminder to trust in the co-creative act of flowing with life’s energy- or accepting what comes your way and making the absolute best out of it, as opposed to passively allowing people or situations to direct your life and actions for you.

In this lithograph I’ve incorporated local fauna (specifically: walleye, trout, an osprey, a falcon, and a great blue heron) in order to symbolize that despite whether you’re the fish or the bird, on bottom or on top, losing or winning, feeling grief or joy- you should do your best to embrace the circumstances and either seek the lesson or opportunity for growth in the tough times, or cherish and be grateful for the times when all is well. In his book titled, “The Power of Now,” Eckhart Tolle insightfully explains:

“There are cycles of success, when things come to you and thrive, and cycles of failure when they wither or disintegrate, and you have to let them go in order to make room for new things to arise or for transformation to happen. If you cling and resist at that point, it means you are refusing to go with the flow of life, and you will suffer. Dissolution is needed for new growth to happen. One cycle cannot exist without the other.”