Brushstrokes of Life

A Masterpiece in the Making

Photo by Mark Little

To live life well, you must embrace it as if it were a dance. Life presents challenges almost daily, but that’s all part of the beautiful dance of life. This symphony matures us while softening sharp edges and strengthening other areas. Viewing life with this perspective—both during the good times and the bad—teaches us to live one day at a time because no matter what you think, that’s all we have—today.

This month’s issue includes so much beauty—art, cuisine, fashion, travel, and all the other beautiful things we’ve included, which is why we’re calling it the Art of Life edition. We are all creating something, and it’s beautiful when celebrated, especially when it’s perfect.

Over the past twenty-eight years, my husband, Jerry, and I have collected art as we’ve traveled through life. Our art acquisitions have never been impulsive but rather a result of a profound connection with the art and, in many cases, with the artist. When we moved from our home of twenty-five years during the pandemic, we were surprised to find that we had built up quite a substantial art collection and had no regrets about it. We have developed a deep connection with each artist and their work, and we have cherished the process of adding their creations to our home and office. Seeing how different art pieces take on a new look and feel in a different space is fascinating. Displaying our art in our newly imagined pied-à-terre brings back memories of where and when we first fell in love with each painting. It allows me to reminisce about the first time we saw it, and memories rush back to the place and time.

When Jerry and I were newlyweds, I organized an art show at Carillon Beach in Panama City Beach, Florida, in the town’s charming Meeting Chapel, where we had our wedding. Over the three-day event, we had the opportunity to spend numerous hours with the artist, who was from New York and was having his first show. We were very impressed by his work and talent. Despite the financial strain just a few months into our marriage, we decided that investing in the art was worth it. This purchase marked the beginning of our appreciation for various art forms and subject matters.

During one of our first jaunts to Paris and Rome, we spent time browsing and speaking with the street artists selling vibrant, colorful paintings. The thrill of carefully choosing which pieces to buy, considering their beauty and the memories they would evoke, was an exhilarating experience we still cherish. When I catch a glimpse of these pieces during the day, they instantly transport me back to those lazy afternoons on the Seine and the Spanish Steps with my love.

Once, and I’m ashamed to admit it, I made a purchase without informing my husband. I had been admiring an Audrey Hepburn-inspired piece of Ashley Longshore’s for over a year, waiting for the perfect moment to invest. When the opportune moment finally arrived, I ordered the spectacular artwork, thinking I would have time to tell Jerry before it was delivered. However, I miscalculated the delivery date. When he called me to ask about a rather large crate on our front porch, I had to delicately explain the surprise encased inside. Although I don’t recommend this approach, he ended up loving it once he uncrated it. Phew!

Since then, our office has acquired several more original pieces by Longshore. We proudly showcase unique artworks by Nathan Alan Yoakum, celebrated for his vibrant paintings and sculptures, and the renowned artist Shantell Martin, known for her large-scale black-and-white line drawings. Additionally, we have pieces by several other notable artists on display.

Once you realize that nothing lasts forever and that every day is a blank canvas, you can create your life one brushstroke at a time. The transformative power of art is a beacon of hope, reminding us that fresh starts and new beginnings await us each day. We are all masterpieces in the making, constantly evolving and growing.

To our better selves!

—Lisa Marie Burwell