There is a wonderful symbiosis to our entire world that truly moves me. As one sets, another rises. Infinitely. Dusky bats turn into early birds. Late night cheesecake desserts morph into donuts and cinnamon rolls for the morning commute. An opossum shifts into a squirrel. It often behooves us to try something new and to examine the other side. Even just for a glimmer.
This painting features an opossum, an animal often dismissed as dirty, disposable, or invisible. I’m drawn to the opossum as a symbol of the overlooked, the easily spooked, and those pushed to the margins. Despite its reputation, the opossum is resilient and quietly persistent, navigating the world without pretense.
The phrase “RISE AND SHINE” is sincere and self-directed. Opossums have short lifespans, and that awareness of limited time informs the work. The message is simple and urgent: get up, participate, and make the most of the day. Courage and cheer take precedence over fear or hesitation.
Scale plays an important role. The opossum is larger than life, granting visibility and dignity to something usually ignored. The setting suggests a threshold, a moment before stepping forward into the day. Bright donuts act as humor bombs and reminders to celebrate life, even in small, absurd ways.
Less punk and more “pretty in pink,” this work embraces a Gen X sensibility shaped by tenderness, persistence, and the choice to keep going. It’s about doing the work, finding joy, and splashing puddles while you’re here.
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