The magic of collective joy

Here is what I know for sure. There was an A-ha moment for me when I heard Oprah Winfrey recently talking about her new idea and how I circled back to my paintings called Collective Effervescence. Yes, I named a small group of paintings after this term and it really is a palpable phenomenom, Oprah also ‘gets it’ …and here’s what I know for sure!

There is a magic in collective joy - that energy when everyone is giddy with excitement - the infectious feeling of joy gives us a surge in dopamine that lasts and lasts. It happens every year at Art In My Garden. This year was the best yet with over 2000 visitors and a collective feeling of joy from everyone.

I’m proud of how this event has grown. After 6 years it’s become an annual day for art appreciation in Oakville. When I’m asked about what motivated me to start I know now that living ‘away from home’ since I was a student has made me miss connections and relationships. If there was a club I couldn’t join, or that didn’t exist, I would gather people and create my own. I can see that this has always been the way I’ve operated. Art In My Garden is now part of a legacy of the things I’ve created or organised over the years that have held collective joy.

What does Oprah have to do with this? Her book “what I know for sure” has a chapter on Connection. She talks about our desire and need for connection/ a sense of belonging, how we benefit from being part of community and having deep relationships and friendships. Fast forward to 2027 where she’s creating a new experience /show at the Sphere, Las Vegas - it’s about human connection and it will, without doubt, create collective effervescence. She’s on mission to have a sell out show - she’s certainly on her way to another success.

Am I buying a ticket to go ? I hope so!

If you’re interested buying a print of my work ‘Collective Effervescence’ head HERE to find out more

Playing loose created Collective Effervescence