Climbing Up On a Pedestal

The first painting that looks like the original sketch. Happy reading! 💙

My name is On a Pedestal. I was born on May 27, 2024, in Jeddah, in Majd's bedroom.

I have so many layers.

I am carrying a heavy load.

I am barely balanced.

I am being supported from above.

My shine is fading away.

My surroundings and I are simply floating away.

I am stacked upon myself.

I am trying to be fluid.

I am a little hopeful.

I want to be at ease, but life is getting in the way.

I am trying to shift in more than one direction.

I move and stop constantly.

I want to connect with my surroundings; I feel disconnected.

I feel distant.

I feel I carry so much resistance.

With each movement, I encounter a block in the way.

~ OAP

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Hey there! Majd speaking 💛

From the start, I had a feeling that this painting was meant to look simple. I wasn't sure why, but I trusted that instinct. As I write this blog, I realize there might be a deeper meaning.

This makes me question: Should I view it as a simple painting, and consider any deeper interpretation as overthinking? Do simple things often carry deeper meanings beneath the surface? Or should I look through the simplicity, understanding that sometimes simple can also be profound?

The painting took a month to complete. Lately, that seems to be the pattern. I choose the colors, lay them out, and let the painting cook over time until I return to it. If I had rushed, would it have turned out the same? I feel that by waiting, my lines exhibit more patience, and the painting doesn’t appear rushed.

Now, when I look at the painting, it seems so easy to create. In reality, it felt like a struggle to bring it to this point and make it look smooth. Towards the end, I let all my frustrations pour onto the canvas. The canvas supported me, allowing me to express my frustration, even if, in theory, things should be simpler.

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk! (: