"Press for Progress" is the theme of the International Women's Day Art Exhibition at the One & Only Royal Mirage Dubai. I am very excited and proud to represent South Africa with 75+ female artists from 75+ different countries. When working on the submission I kept asking myself:" What do us women need to press for progress, in the world, in ourselves?" The answer to the question is in the painting called "Her COAT", COAT being an acronym for Courage, Optimism, Ardency and Tenacity. That's what we need. I believe these characteristics are part and parcel of our DNA as women but I know my mind doesn't always support what I know to be true in my heart.
In times of doubt and uncertainty, I often look outside, to female role models that inspire me. Not perfect women, but women who live extraordinary lives despite their imperfections and challenges - women who make a difference because they choose courage in the face of fear, optimism instead of cynicism, ardency instead of indifference and tenacity instead of half-heartedness. They don't do it just some days when they feel like it, they do it every day. Their minds and hearts are in sync, pulling in the same direction. That is the reason they have stamina, that is why they can persevere, that is why they reach for their full potential, that is why their vision keeps pulling them forward, that is why they feel powerful and purposeful. So while I am growing my mindset to match my heart set, I like imagining, every morning, that I take "Her COAT" off the rack, slowly putting one arm in, feeling the smooth texture, reminding myself of extraordinary women all over the planet, slowly putting the other arm in, reminding myself that these characteristics are part of my DNA too, slipping it over my shoulders and head downstairs, ready for my day, ready to take the next steps in the direction of my vision, in the direction of a new story. Many inspiring quotes from wise women are in the layers of the painting. Click on the button below to read what's in the layers.
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