For the love of it (vol.13)

For the Love of It” is a series that explores Tarik’s deep passion for creation and self-expression through painting. He seeks out unusual, unpopulated locations to refine his skills and find solace from the stresses of life and the weight of past experiences. This process not only serves as a therapeutic escape but also rekindles his connection to the stories he aims to tell through his art. When his creative space feels overwhelming, these quiet spots become his sanctuary, allowing him to rediscover the joy of painting and the narratives woven into each piece.

Title: “Anxious People”

Dimensions: 700cm (w) x 1000cm (h)

Medium: house paint on concrete

Description:

I wasn’t sure if I should paint this spot when I first checked it out. After hauling far more supplies than I needed, I stumbled upon a place that felt right. I started painting without any clear plan in mind. A woman walked by with her dog, and the dog seemed to find such joy in its journey through this space—an area the council had made legal for creative expression. I took a moment to fill my bottle from the nearby stream, letting the cool water ground me in a moment of bliss. Even after that, I still had no idea what I was going to create.

As I worked on the background, the overwhelming feeling of shopping centers suddenly came to mind, and from that, strange figures began to emerge on the canvas. I found a lot of satisfaction in using the extension pole to reach new heights, fully immersed in the act of painting. But when I stepped back, I felt disappointed. This piece didn’t turn out the way I envisioned, and it left me with a sense of frustration. I can’t help but feel angry that I let this one slip.

But this is all part of my journey as an artist. Even when a piece doesn’t capture what I intended, it’s still part of the process—an expression of where I am in life. I’m annoyed by it, and I don’t even want to look at it right now. Maybe it’s not a defeat, but it certainly feels like one, especially since my art is so deeply connected to my emotions. Right now, it feels out of rhythm with me, but I guess that’s what happens when you step outside your routine and face the unfamiliar.