Thoughtful Wednesday: Old Heart Acceptance

Saturday night I found out my Old Heart I piece was accepted to the annual El Corazón exhibition at the Bath House Cultural Center. I've tried a few times before, but this is the first time I've been accepted and the first art show I'll be a part of in years. This piece is my proudest work from last year and brought me to happy, joyful tears. I've made a goal within the next two years to be more active and submit my work to places. The acceptance has only fueled by passion. That said, I'll share how this piece came into being and the music that inspired it.

Last year, my now husband and I went on our first real vacation, the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise. One of the bands we were excited to see was Katatonia, who we had seen years before on the Epic, Kings, and Idols tour. The show was my husband's idea. I remember enjoying their show and knowing it was good, but I also remember my ears ringing a bit due to the prior band (looking at you Devin Townscend). Sadly, I didn't keep up with the band much. This was before I could afford to buy a shirt or a CD from stands, but at least pay for the ticket. Fast forward years to the cruise, I saw Katatonia perform twice, no ears ringing, and fell into their music. After the trip, I really dived into their discography to find they were also in process of a new album. When the lyric video for the song "Old Heart Falls" was realized, I had to grab my sketchbook. I wrote down lyrics. I sketched. I listened to the song at least once everyday for weeks. At the beginning of 2016, I was in an artistic drought, and this song watered the fields.

Inspiration comes when you don't expect it, but when it does, you have to hang on. The album "The Fall of Hearts" became my favorite album of 2016, and I'm still pulling ideas for paintings. When I see the band live this March, it will have more meaning to me that just jamming out. It will be pure pumping of the heart, raining down an atmosphere of inspiration.

Katatonia have revealed the first full track, entitled 'Old Heart Falls' from their highly anticipated new album - The Fall of Hearts. Buy the album: http://www.peaceville.com/store On the release of the first new song Jonas Renkse comments "A song with lush textures, distinct dynamics and a memorable chorus are the trademarks to some of the most beloved Katatonia songs.

Currently Listening - Katatonia's 'The Fall of Hearts'
Currently Reading - Just finished Salem's Lot by Stephen King
Currently Drinking - Coffee.