Original artwork description:

Even though nature may “insist” for us to choose between HAPPINESS and MEANING, it does not mean that it’s “impossible” for us to have both.

I think that I cannot “always” have both HAPPINESS and MEANING at the same time but as long as I can find MEANING in my life, I know I’ll find HAPPINESS there too “at certain times” no matter how brief or long it lasts.

I know I am happy whenever I make a piece of art simply because I enjoy doing it…but what does that mean? It means I have to endure a life full of uncertainties and "false hopes".

Despite all this, if I must choose, I’ll choose MEANING as I’m certain that I cannot totally “just” be happy. I believe, just like any other feelings ( e.g. sadness, grief, etc.), HAPPINESS too shall pass…it always does. MEANING, on the other hand, is definite as it gives us purpose…the reason to live “no matter what”. I would rather know that there is a meaning for ALL the things I’ve been through in life than to be a happy person by ignoring my past that I cannot “just” forget.

However, though I choose MEANING, I don’t live in the present “entirely” for the benefit of my future because for all I know I may die today. I honestly do not desire a longer life. I just want to “live” the life I’m given by learning from my past and doing the best I can with what I have until the day I stop breathing (period).

This is a "dark background" version of the 13'th portrait piece (Winona Ryder inspired) of my SHADOWS series where face features are created and accentuated by deleting parts of a shaded area. Actual lines are only used around the "eye area".

The SHADOWS series is a collection of portraits intending to show emotions OTHER than those typical portrayal of complete happiness and joy as I hope to convey those I believe are “meaningful” part of someone’s life.

*** This piece will be delivered rolled in a "G-Type tube". I've been using this "high-quality" tube for years to pack and protect my artworks during transportation. So far, since I've sold original artworks internationally (United States, United Kingdom and Australia) I've never encountered a problem using this form of packaging. ***

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Materials used:

charcoal on 90gsm paper

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