I wanted to share an artist that I've been loving lately.
The new year hit, and with it came a wave of thoughts about life. Where's mine going? What will this year bring? What are my goals for 2011 and WHAT THE HELL WHO ATE ALL THE THIN MINTS IN MY DESK?
I remembered my sister (who has a knack for finding beautiful, inspirational art) talking about Edward Moncton, a British artist who seems to really get life. On a particularly stressful day, I found his website and discovered loads of pieces that blew me away.
His drawings are simple, witty, to the point. Some carry messages and reminders about life.
Some of his pieces have absolutely no message about life, but are super fun. They also may leave you scratching your head, wondering what in the H-E-double hockey sticks is going on. This I consider a good thing.
My favorite of his work is Zen Dog. Zen Dog is who you want to be. Floating in a tiny watercraft, not a care in the world. He doesn't know what the year's going to bring - but does he care? Nope! Zen Dog just takes whatever's tossed his way and enjoys. While exploring Monkton's website I vowed Zen Dog would be my mascot for 2011. I was so serious about this, I made him the desktop on my work computer. That, my friends, is commitment.
Now, I don't feel bad about anything. Made a bad decision after a few too many? Zen Dog wouldn't sweat it. Deadline fast approaching and inspiration still far away? Zen Dog would scoff at that kind of stress. He doesn't think about the future. Doesn't have a savings account or a weekly meal plan. And just look at those glasses. You just know he's surfin' the wave, ridin' the groove of a life with no worries. Dude.
Before you get all anxiety-ridden and blotchy, stop and think for a minute: What would Zen Dog do? WWZDD? Chances are, he doesn't yell at his kids, pop a Lorazepam, or eat an entire jar of cake icing when things get rough.
He floats along, cool as a cucumber. He enjoys the ride.
We could all stand to be a little more like Zen Dog.
My new hero.
(View Edward Monkton's website HERE.)
