I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to you all.
I am aware that a considerable amount of time has passed without any communication between us. It is with a sense of responsibility that I approach this moment to convey my apologies and provide you with the long-awaited updates.
I hold the belief that your understanding surpasses any lingering discontent that may have arisen due to my absence. You are well acquainted with the fact that my dedication to my work is wholehearted, and witnessing the joy reflected in your smile when you acquire any of these creations bring me immense satisfaction.
Now, let us address the essence of the matter. The year 2023 has unfurled before me as a period of profound transformation. I find myself engrossed in introspection, striving to reconcile my emotions and contemplate the trajectory of my endeavors. It is not uncommon for individuals, including yourself, to experience moments – be they fleeting or enduring – where a pause is necessary, allowing for a detachment from the cacophony of the world and its unfolding events.
I find myself precisely in such a juncture. It is crucial to emphasize that this interlude is by no means indicative of my intention to relinquish my creative pursuits. Quite the contrary, my aspiration is to draw a revitalizing breath, nurturing the wellspring of fresh energy that will propel me back into the realm of artistic expression.
It is important to note that all my artistic creations remain readily accessible to you. You have the option to peruse and acquire them through my website or by means of electronic correspondence.
However, this message cannot conclude without addressing an upcoming event of significance. If you have been keeping up with my updates on Facebook or Instagram, you are likely aware that in the month of February, I embarked on a journey to Tanzania, Africa. The purpose behind this expedition was to visit an orphanage in the region alongside a circle of friends. Our objective was multi-faceted: to deliver the benevolent contributions of kind-hearted individuals, to partake in the rejuvenation of the orphanage's facilities, and most importantly, to forge memorable connections with the children through shared creative and enjoyable experiences.
As we navigate the currents of life, our paths sometimes lead us to shores unforeseen. In the spirit of embracing change, growth, and the camaraderie that unites us, I extend my gratitude for your understanding and unwavering support. May our journeys continue to intersect, fostering shared moments of inspiration and appreciation.
The journey to another continent proved to be an incredibly immersive experience, marked by contrasting temperatures, novel traditions, and a distinct mindset. This expedition presented an opportunity to engage with an entirely different way of life, leaving an indelible impression on me.
During this expedition, I was privileged to unwind for a few days in Zanzibar. This respite granted me the chance to recharge and recalibrate, while also providing the occasion to connect with kindred artistic spirits. Engaging in these exchanges of perspectives was truly enriching.
The period leading up to my departure was characterized by an intense burst of creative output. The impending journey stirred excitement within me, and this fervor was channeled into my artistic endeavors. The fruits of this creative phase are now accessible for your enjoyment. It is a sentiment of mine that a fragment of my very being finds its origin in Africa.
Yet, upon my return, a discernible shift transpired within me. I am grappling with the task of comprehending the nature of this transformation, as my entire world seems to have undergone an inversion. It is an endeavor that I am still unraveling, as I strive to decipher the reasons behind this profound alteration.
Naturally, I intend to sustain connections with the individuals I had the privilege of encountering in Africa. These relationships are poised to persist, despite the geographical distance. However, in the realm of creation, there has been a pause. This intermission serves as a space for introspection, allowing me to scrutinize the nuances of my emotions and the channels through which they manifest. As they say, the inception of the creative process resides within the recesses of the mind.
It is abundantly clear to me that this recalibration requires time. The process of understanding and subsequently translating these experiences into my artistic expressions is a journey that unfolds gradually.
In the month of May, a weighty decision marked my path - the closure of my physical gallery located on Kennedy Street in Carlow. Despite this significant change, there remain a few well-planned exhibitions on the horizon. June brought with it an eventful showcase of my artwork at Love Your Home in Belfast. This experience was not only enriching but also facilitated a long-awaited reunion with cherished fellow artists, individuals whose presence I had missed deeply.
However, the thread of my life began to unravel, and with each passing day, my emotions took a plummet, tiptoeing on the precipice of what could only be described as a battle with depression. Consequently, I opted to withdraw from additional commitments and events. There exists an innate wisdom, often referred to as women's intuition, which propels us to make decisions that act as safeguards against further devastation.
This juncture is undeniably challenging for me on an emotional plane, causing my world to rotate on an unfamiliar axis. While it is not imperative to delve into the intricate particulars, it is a shared reality that many of us traverse through tumultuous times. Yet, even amid this tempest, there is a silver lining. My spirit seeks solace, and I am immensely fortunate to be cocooned by the embrace of wonderful souls - friends and children - who manage to coax forth a smile, however fleeting, upon my countenance.
Though the year remains in progress, its chapters yet unwritten, I find myself standing at the crossroads of uncertainty. Anticipation simmers within me, woven with trust that every twist of fate bears a purpose, and that the tapestry of the future is being woven with threads of the extraordinary, both for me and for the continued evolution of my creativity.
Julia Cameron's wisdom echoes true: the arid stretches in the artistic journey must be weathered, as they too play a role in shaping the narrative.
To all who read these lines, I extend my most heartfelt wishes for days adorned with inspiration and splendor. May your faith in brighter tomorrows be unwavering, nurtured by the cocoon of love that envelops you. Whether in the virtual realm or within the realms of reality, I look forward to our paths intersecting once again.
With regards,
Elwira Bernaciak
Your Dedicated Artist
P.S. Let not the pursuit of self-care and immersion in beauty and inspiration fade from your priorities. I invite you to explore my profile and partake in this journey together.
