A lot of you know I’m in the process of unpacking. We are officially in our new apartment in Vancouver! I thought long and hard about which works would be appropriate to share this month. I ended up deciding on my “Liquid Monarch Butterfly” for a few reasons.
On a side note… I never said I was good at titles. *points at screen* I see you rolling your eyes.
Symbolism of the Monarch Butterfly
It’s generally agreed that the monarch butterfly signifies the coming of change, rebirth, and transformation. Which couldn’t be more fitting in my current situation. I moved to the big city! I left my friends and family to try and set out on my own. My partner is here with me too, and I couldn’t be more grateful that I’m not doing this alone.
Before I get off topic and start spewing random facts about the monarch I’ll let you explore them on your own. Or I’ll never say what I’m planning on saying.
Not the First Time
This isn’t the first time I’ve gone through some big changes. Especially when it comes to what I want from my life. I know I’ve mentioned this in other blogs but the liquid formations and splashes in the wings visually represents that our thoughts are mostly whole but reality clashes with the expectations we build.
The first time I recall drawing a monarch was way back in 2014. It was a couple years after I graduated hospitality management courses at NAIT. It was around the first time I decided I needed a break from the industry, and I started working for an art gallery.
If it weren’t for that job I wouldn’t have the dream to open my own gallery one of these days. It’s where I really honed my skills picture framing. I still talk about that place all the time. It’s not hard to tell I miss it.
In hind sight… I knew I didn’t like the hospitality industry back then. I allowed other peoples expectations to dictate my decisions. While drawing the piece, it planted the first seeds of doubt in myself and the path I was currently traveling.
Learning to let go of other peoples expectations and choosing to do what’s best for you, is in my experience, one of the most difficult things you can do.
I’m scouring my old photos, and all I can find is this really bad one from Christmas 2014. Don’t judge!
I’m really upset with myself for not scanning it, or even documenting it in some way like I do with all of my works now. I’ve come so far since then.
Fast Forward A Few Years
I illustrated another liquid monarch just before I went back to school to study graphic design. If it weren’t for that decision I wouldn’t be where I am today.
It’s proven itself a consistent symbol throughout my life so far. It’s become a symbol of change for the better for me.
This one looks familiar right?
his one looks familiar right?
It should! It’s the one you’ll find in my shop.
My mom was so upset I sold the first one, she purchased this one. So it goes without saying. The originals gone. Good luck trying to get it from her.
I GOT PRINTS THOUGH!
They’re designed to fit a standard 12”x12” frame.
With that being said, regular processing times are returning to normal-ish. We’re still waiting on Internet and a few small things. Moving sucks.
So if you do purchase something. I’ll get in processed and shipped quickly in 2 to 3 business days.
I got a few more boxes to unpack, so as the transition into my new life here continues, I hope you stick around for the journey.
Stay Creative,
Justin Erickson
