A journey filled with passion and purpose
A Path Forward
full of change
new direction
twists and turns
A Path Focused
full of challenges
new decisions
tables that turn
A journey fulfilled
As women, we often find ourselves at crossroads in life—facing moments where we must pivot, adapt, and take new paths. These moments of transformation are at the heart of my latest Doodle Gears painting, Finding New Direction, the second piece in The Age of Women collection. This artwork is a celebration of feminine resilience, growth, and the beauty of embracing life’s inevitable changes.
Finding New Direction is a vivid portrayal of life’s dynamic energy. Through the use of vibrant colors, gears with flowers and smiley faces, symbolic elements like butterflies and a hummingbird, and the integration of my "Changing Direction" Enlightenment symbol, this painting speaks directly to the essence of transformation, empowerment, and the courage to follow new paths in our journey forward. The piercing glittering gold of this empowered womans eyes are a testament to her strength, resilience and power, as she navigates this thing we call life.
Shifting Gears - A Guide to Forging a Path Ahead
The gears in the Doodle Gears paintings symbolize the constant motion and progress of life, inspired by the mechanics of cycling (inspired by my passion for the sport). The gears serves as a powerful reminder of how we can adapt to life’s changes, embracing growth as we move forward. Each gear, painted in rich, vibrant colors, represents a different phase of life’s journey, turning in harmony to create forward momentum. Smiley face and flower-shaped gears add a whimsical touch, uplifting and empowering with positivity and joy. These playful elements inspire viewers to find their center, embrace positivity, and keep moving, no matter the challenges ahead.
The Symbolism of "Finding New Direction"
At the core of Finding New Direction is the Enlightenment symbol "Changing Direction", which I created to represent life’s constant state of change and discovery. This symbol is a broken circle with an arrow on one side of the break and a straight line piercing through the circle. Together, they signify a path that is not linear but full of twists, turns, and unexpected directions. Three more straight lines cross over the longer line in varying sizes inside of the circle to depict the different lengths of the paths we take, symbolizing the unique and ever-changing nature of our journeys.
The broken circle itself is a reminder that life is not a closed loop. There are breaks, new opportunities, and directions we must take that don’t always align with our original plans. But this is not a flaw—it’s a powerful truth. It reminds us that the beauty of life comes from its unpredictability and the strength we gain from navigating its challenges.
Butterflies: The Symbols of Transformation
Incorporating butterflies into Finding New Direction was a deliberate choice, as they are one of nature’s most powerful symbols of transformation. Butterflies remind us of the process of metamorphosis—of shedding old skins, growing wings, and embracing the freedom to fly in new directions.
In this painting, the butterflies represent the personal transformations we all undergo. As women, we face many stages in our lives, from personal growth and self-discovery to the courage required to reinvent ourselves when necessary. Each butterfly on the canvas is a visual representation of that growth, urging us to embrace the changes that come and to trust that they are a natural part of our journey.
The Hummingbird: A Beacon of Joy and Adaptability
Another key element in this painting is the hummingbird, depicted delicately drinking from a plumeria flower. Hummingbirds are symbols of joy, adaptability, and resilience. Despite their small size, these incredible creatures travel great distances, reminding us that we too can persevere and thrive, even in the face of challenges.
The inclusion of the hummingbird serves as a metaphor for the importance of finding joy in the present moment, no matter how challenging the journey may be. Just as the hummingbird adapts and finds sustenance wherever it goes, we too can find the strength and joy we need to thrive in the midst of life’s changes. The plumeria flower, with its soft beauty and sweet fragrance, represents the rewards that come from embracing new paths.
The Power of Change and Transformation for Women
The Age of Women collection, of which Finding New Direction is a part, is dedicated to empowering women to embrace their true potential, strength, and femininity. This collection speaks to the incredible resilience that women demonstrate throughout their lives. We live in a world that constantly shifts, and as women, we are often called upon to adapt, reinvent ourselves, and find new directions in both our personal and professional lives.
The Finding New Direction painting was inspired by this reality. It serves as a visual reminder that change is not something to fear but rather something to welcome. Each shift in life offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover new parts of ourselves. The integration of the Changing Direction" Enlightenment symbol speaks to the idea that change is a constant force in our lives, and our strength lies in our ability to navigate it with grace and courage.
A Message for Every Woman: Embrace Change, Find Your Path
In creating Finding New Direction, my goal was to inspire women to trust themselves and their instincts. There will always be moments in life when we are uncertain of which path to take. But in these moments, we must remember that we have the power within us to find the right direction. The shifting gears, butterflies, hummingbird, and Enlightenment symbol all work together to remind us that transformation is a part of life’s beauty, and our ability to adapt and thrive is what makes us strong.
No matter where you are on your journey, remember that it is never too late to change direction. Whether you’re facing a new opportunity or a challenging setback, the path forward is yours to create. Like the butterflies and the hummingbird, you too can find joy, strength, and resilience in the face of change.
Let Finding New Direction be a symbol of hope and empowerment for you. Trust in the journey, embrace your transformation, and know that no matter how many twists and turns you encounter, you have the inner strength to navigate it all.
Final Thoughts
As women, our lives are rich tapestries of experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Each moment of change, each new direction we take, adds to the story of who we are. With Finding New Direction, I hope to inspire every woman to honor her personal journey, to embrace change with open arms, and to trust that the power to navigate life’s twists and turns lies within her.
This painting, with its vibrant colors, myriad of kaleidoscopic gears, symbols of transformation, and the power of the Enlightenment symbol, is a reminder that we are all capable of finding new directions in life. No matter how complex or uncertain the path may seem, the beauty of change is that it always leads to new possibilities.
So, as you look at Finding New Direction, may you feel empowered to spread your wings, find your joy, and embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.