Opposing Forces Series cont...

"Goodbye" by Nate Lonnen 16"x20" Oil Pastel on Canvas

"Goodbye" takes the opposing forces series in a bit of a different direction. There is an obvious struggle between a dark and a lighted path but this is the first instance where one clearly overwhelms the other. It is also where depending on how you interpret this, that one path is chosen over another. When painting this piece my intention was to show the light as being love and the darkness as being a future with no shape or design. I wanted to express that by going towards the light your path was in a way predetermined. So what happens if you leave that behind, you essentially lose your direction.

​Goodbye is also about letting go, and taking a risk of going into the unknown. There have been so many times in my life where I have felt such despair and sadness as a result of failed relationships. I had no idea how to move on. For me this is why I created the piece. It was a message to myself that I must say goodbye and find a different path. The darkness can be cold and so very intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be the end. It can become the new beginning. “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of the God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.” (Genesis Chapt. 1 v. 2-4) This is how we find a new path when we find ourselves in utter darkness.

The Opposing Forces series is centered around exploring the contrary forces of light/dark, and good/evil. It is in essence the struggle between opposites; the constant struggle with an ever-changing balance that either creates harmony or invites chaos. It is the idea that one cannot obtain true peace until they have overcome their inner turmoil and find a center. With every piece I aim to manifest the pivotal roles that these interconnected forces play in our natures.  While also, presenting the struggle between the two, resulting in the personification of this battle in us all. I believe the choices we make define our existence and put us on different paths of self-realization.