Within the Gift

Maddie Aub

This piece was created with the intention of reminding us that no matter how imposing the past or future may feel, only in the present can true happiness be found. Each present moment of our lives is a gift, depicted in this piece as a small bridge between the large “past” and “future” mountains. The sun is shown pushing aside these mountains to make room for the bridge as a way to inspire a sense of gratitude and awe at the fact that we each have a present moment to experience. The difference in scale between the bridge and mountains is intentionally dramatic in order to acknowledge the challenge of residing in the tiny space of “now.” However, despite the challenge, striving to spend less time dwelling on the past or worrying about the future may be one of the most rewarding endeavors we can make; this is because it allows us to enjoy what we have right here and now. Here is an accompanying poem that embodies the spirit of this piece in words: Life is much more pleasant / when lived in the present, / so let the sun make way / for this brand new day. My art practice has not only been my greatest passion through the years, but also my saving grace in dark times. Its ever-changing purpose in my life is what makes being an artist one of the fundamental parts of who I am.