Dance On

I’m very excited about the release of my latest painting, “Dance on.” Have you ever heard the saying, “If you want to know what’s going on in an artist life, look at their art” well this painting is telling all my business.  It’s so me,  I almost titled it “self portrait.” Everything from the gym shoes to the pose, symbolizes my life’s journey.

“Dance On” 2021

by Keila Strong (Acrylic On Canvas)

Life is all about movement and transitions. Whether moving on from jobs, positions, people, or moving into something; a new home, new school, church etc. In “Dance On” I liken life’s transitions to a graceful choreography of twist, twirls, highs and lows, and balance. Not all steps are delightful, but they are all part of the ‘dance.’ The message in Dance On is;  ‘whatever you do in life do it gracefully.’ Missteps dazzle with the dancers ability to overcome. Whatever life throws your way react, respond, and transition beautifully. 

In order to transition well, we gotta have the right shoes. Ballerina’s wear speciality shoes called ‘Pointe shoes.’ These shoes help dancers appear weightless while  ‘transitioning’ from spins to leaps and twirls. This speciality shoe enables dancers to balance on their tip toes in ways that ordinary shoes can’t.  Well me…I ain’t a ballerina, but I’m what they called back in the day, a “tom boy,” I’m into all the girl stuff but I can also jump gates and climb walls if need be lol. We all have shoes suited for our journey. I made sneakers the star of this painting; the voice, the captain of all shoes. Partly because they’re my go to shoe, but mostly because they’re representative of my journey. Shoes are unique to ones own adventure; and they’re equally important as the steps you take you take in life.  Shoes symbolize purpose, responsibility and identity. Know who you are, and live it out. 

This painting is a visual representation of an internal trait. Gracefullness is not found in what you have or what you wear, but who you are.  Let your thoughts be balanced, your speech tasteful, your heart rhythmic, and your intentions balletic.